Persian ney · Toronto · International
KianoushKhalilian
Persian Ney Player, Composer & Educator
Rooted in Persian classical music, Kianoush Khalilian brings the voice of the ney into contemporary composition, international performance, and musical dialogue across cultures.
The artist
Persian roots
A contemporary voice
Kianoush Khalilian is a Persian ney player, composer, and educator based in Toronto, Canada. He began studying with master Hassan Nahid in Tehran in 1990 and worked with him for 10 years. He also studied with masters Mohammad Ali Kiani Nejad, Mohammad Mousavi, and Jamshid Andalibi, developing his understanding of Persian classical music and the Radif.
His work connects that tradition with contemporary and cross-cultural expression. He has performed across Asia, Europe, and North America, with appearances at festivals including San Lorenzo in Italy, Rencontres musicales de Conques in France, Toronto Jazz Festival, and Tirgan.
He is the founder of the Canadian Asian Music Society (CAMS) and the Canadian Asian Ensemble (CAE), bringing musicians together through cross-cultural performance, education, and artistic collaboration.
Alongside performance and composition, Kianoush teaches internationally and has authored an instructional book on Persian ney. He has also served as a jury member in York University’s World Music program.
His collaborations include the JUNO Award-winning ensemble Constantinople, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Opera Canada, the Toronto Consort, and the Canadian Arabic Orchestra. His music has also been featured on CBC Radio.
His creative projects have received support from the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and Toronto Arts Council. Through the Canadian Asian Music Society and Canadian Asian Ensemble, he develops projects that bring Asian and Canadian musical traditions into conversation.
On stage & on air
Watch & listen
Constantinople & Kiya Tabassian
Kianoush Khalilian with Constantinople and Kiya Tabassian
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The recording
Fly Again
Compositions by Kianoush Khalilian, with ney and percussion in a dialogue shaped by Persian Dastgahs and contemporary expression.
Artistic direction
Music in dialogue
across cultures
Kianoush founded the Canadian Asian Music Society (CAMS) and Canadian Asian Ensemble (CAE) to bring musicians and audiences together through performance, education, and artistic exchange.
Their projects connect Asian and Canadian musical traditions, creating space for collaboration and new work.
From the stage
A life in performance
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Teaching & study
Experience shared
through teaching
Study Persian ney with Kianoush through personalized lessons, online worldwide or in person in Toronto. Instruction develops from your first sound to advanced repertoire, improvisation, and the Persian Radif.
The PDF book
Persian Ney Techniques
A practical guide with exercises, fingering charts, and instruction for beginners through advanced players.
Digital edition · English & FarsiExplore the PDF bookGet in touch
Performance, collaboration
& musical exchange
For concerts, artistic collaborations, workshops, and teaching inquiries, contact Kianoush directly.
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