Hamed Sadeghi and Sohrab Kolahdooz with Mesmerizing Tar and Percussion Dialogue

Last night, Sydney audiences were transported to the heart of Persian classical music as Hamed Sadeghi joined forces with percussionist Sohrab Kolahdooz for an extraordinary evening of sound, rhythm, and improvisation. Fresh from an international tour, the duo brought a rare intensity to the stage, fusing intricate tar melodies with masterful percussion patterns in a performance that felt both intimate and expansive.

From the first haunting notes of Sadeghi’s tar, the audience was drawn into his world, a space where Persian classical traditions meet contemporary expression. His compositions, informed by years of study in Tehran and collaborations with the likes of Shahram Nazeri, carried a deep emotional resonance. The nuanced improvisations revealed layers of cultural heritage while demonstrating a fearless openness to experimentation.

Kolahdooz complemented this beautifully, his percussion articulating rhythms that ranged from subtle, delicate textures to bold, driving momentum. His background as an international collaborator and music educator shone through in the thoughtful interplay and responsiveness he shared with Sadeghi. Together, they created a conversation in music that was as dynamic as it was mesmerizing.

The evening showcased the duo’s technical mastery as well as their deep musical empathy. Highlights included improvisational exchanges where Sadeghi’s melodic lines seemed to float effortlessly over Kolahdooz’s intricate rhythmic structures, and moments of tension and release that left the audience spellbound. The performance also highlighted their ability to bridge cultural traditions with contemporary music practices, creating something timeless yet immediate.

For anyone fortunate enough to witness this collaboration, it was a reminder of the power of musical partnership to transport, challenge, and inspire. Hamed Sadeghi and Sohrab Kolahdooz demonstrated why their work continues to resonate on both national and international stages, leaving the Sydney crowd enriched and eager for more.