Kianoush Khalilian is a Ney player and composer deeply rooted in the traditional Iranian musical landscape. His musical journey began in 1990 under the guidance of master musician Hassan Nahid in Tehran. Kianoush’s skill and dedication were quickly recognized, earning him first place in the nationwide Iranian schools competition for Ney performance just five years into his studies. In 2009, he was awarded third place in the composition category at the Iranian Youth Music Festival, showcasing his versatility and creative vision.

Since then, Kianoush’s Ney has resonated across Asia, Europe, Canada, and the USA, gracing prestigious stages and festivals such as the San Lorenzo Music Festival (Italy), Rencontres musicales de Conques (France), and the Toronto Jazz Music Festival. He has performed with renowned ensembles including the JUNO Award-winning Constantinople Ensemble, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM), Opera Canada, and the Canadian Arabic Orchestra (CAO), among many others.

In addition to his performance career, Kianoush has contributed to the evolution of the Ney through his studies and innovations, earning recognition from the IRAN National House of Music for his work on the instrument’s design and acoustics.

In 2023, he released his groundbreaking album Fly Again in Canada—a project deeply rooted in traditional Persian Dastgahs (modes) that introduces listeners to the expressive beauty of the Ney through a unique blend of traditional and contemporary compositions. The album serves as a bridge between cultures, offering Canadian and international audiences a rare glimpse into the rich heritage of Persian music.

Kianoush Khalilian is also the founder of the Canadian Asian Music Society (CAMS), a cultural organization based in Toronto, Canada, dedicated to uniting people through music. CAMS highlights the diversity of Asian musical traditions and their connections to Canadian music, supporting cultural exchange, emerging artists, and the preservation of traditional music through concerts, events, and educational programs.

Beyond the stage, Kianoush shares his expertise as a music teacher. He has authored and teaches an instructional book on the Persian Ney, furthering his mission to preserve and promote this ancient art form. In Canada, he also established his own music ensemble, continuing to share the soulful voice of the Ney with audiences around the world.

As Fly Again resonates and CAMS continues its cultural mission, Kianoush Khalilian stands not only as an accomplished artist but also as a cultural ambassador, enriching the global musical landscape with the timeless sound of the Ney.