Rastak Ensemble
[1][2][3] Rastak seeks to collect, record and interpret Iranian, Kurdish, Baloch and Turkmen folk music among others for a global audience.
[4] The band is known for blending Iranian folklore melodies with contemporary musical arrangements, which brings new life to ethnic songs and folk traditions.
Their collaborative performances and cross-cultural projects add a universal appeal to their work, making Rastak a respected name in world music and a significant cultural ambassador for Iran's folk heritage.
Rastak incorporates Persian language, Iranian culture and history as well as merging traditional instruments and forms with contemporary rhythms.
[1] They have been focused for the past two decades on the sound of Iranian folklore and diverse cultures; resulting in five albums, five singles and numerous concert tours in Iran and overseas.
[4][5][6][7][8][9] Rastak has graced the stages of prestigious international festivals and concerts, serving as true ambassadors of Iranian folk music.
With their unique fusion of traditional melodies and contemporary interpretations, they captivate audiences worldwide, sharing the rich and vibrant heritage of Iran.
As a prominent name in the world music scene, Rastak has appeared on several international music festivals and has held many concerts in Iran, England, Austria,[10] Germany, France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Sweden, United States,[11] Canada, Australia,[12] India, Japan, Malaysia, Chile,[13][14] Poland,[15] Turkey,[16][17][12] Georgia, Belgium, Oman, Belarus,[18] Kazakhstan,[19][20] Bangladesh,[21] Iraq, United Arab Emirates among others.
We’ve traveled extensively across the country—from remote villages to bustling towns—engaging with local communities, master musicians, and storytellers to discover the genuine and unaltered melodies and stories that define Iran's diverse traditions.
Farzad Moradi is a talented lead singer and multi-instrumentalist with profound knowledge of Iranian folk musical heritage; he started playing the Tanbur, a sacred instrument from Kurdistan, at the age of five.
Her expressive performances help bridge the gap between Iran’s musical heritage and contemporary audiences, enriching Rastak’s fusion of folk and modern elements.
Akbar Esmaeilipour Farsangi, a talented multi-instrumentalist, has extensive experience playing various Iranian classical and folk musical instruments.
Omid Mostafavi, Hamed Bolandhemmat, Yasaman Najmeddin, Parisa Inanloo, Yavar Ahmadifar, Mohammad Mazhari, Piran Mohajeri, Sepehr Saadati, Sara Naderi, Kaveh Sarvarian, Yaser Navazandeh, Farzad Khorshidsavar, Negar Ezazi, Saba Jamali, Reza Abedia, Sahar Ebrahim, Nima Niktab, Sara Ahmadi, Hosna Parsa, Danoosh Asadpour, Bita Ghasemi, Hiwa Seyfizadeh Tar, Qanun, Oud, Kamancheh, Santur, Kamancheh alto, Bam Tar, Tanbur, Dotar, Ghoppoz, Divan, Gheyhak, Rubab, Azeri Tar, Tanboorak, Gheychak Bass, Double Bass, Cello, Guitar, Bass Guitar Tombak, Daf, Dholak, Damam, Naqareh, Desar Koten, Zarb, Zarb Timpo, Dayereh, Bandir, Dayereh Zangi, Dhol, Dom Dom, Kaser, Pipeh, Kasooreh, Tas, Halab, Darbuka, Cajón, Tambourine, Cymbal, Senjak Sorna, Nayanban, Balaban, Dozaleh, Nay Jofti, Qoshmeh, Gharaney, Labak, Neylabak, Laleva, Ney, Donaley, Karnay Also known as Ancient Hues[24] is Rastak's first album and has 12 audio tracks.
Iran is a vast country with a long history where the wide range of ethnic minorities comprising one nation, is illustrative of congeniality, culture interaction and strong bonds among Iranians.
Soulful vocals and traditional Iranian instruments weave together with subtle electronic rhythms, creating an evocative atmosphere that captures the resilience and depth of love, enduring across time and distance.
