Iran's Araz ensemble to perform ethnic Azeri music in Europe

Led by vocalist Rahim Shahriari, the group will start their tour on March 16, 2010 in Istanbul, Turkey.

"The group will continue the tour in Koln, Paris, Stockholm and several other cities until mid-May," Shahriari told Tehran Times

"The concerts will present a selection of works from the 'Who Knows' album along with some famous folkloric Azeri songs,” he added.

Instrumentalists Okhtay Shadi (Tar), Afshin Alavi (Kamancheh), Hamzeh Shahriari (clarinet), Peyman Hamidi (piano), Mohammad-Hossein Afshari (kettledrum) will accompany Shahriari in the concerts.

Shahriari is one the most famous figures of Azeri music in Iran, who composes, sings and plays the traditional Azeri instrument garmon.

Shahriari has held numerous national and international concerts impressing his audience with a brilliant performances of Azeri music and folk dance.

Azeri music dates back to nearly 1,000 years ago and has evolved through time resulting in what is now known as Azerbaijan's traditional and folkloric music.

Traditional Azeri music is played on tar, kamancha, lute, Saz (long necked lute), balaban, ghaval, naqara, garmon, tutek and daf.

Azerbaijan is also known for its Ashiqs or travelling bards who sing and play the Saz and their songs are semi-improvised around a common base.

/Press TV/