Hossein Behroozinia Information

Hossein Behroozinia, born on June 11, 1962, in Tehran, Iran, is a distinguished Iranian composer, radif expert, and barbat (Persian oud) player. He is recognized as a leading figure in Persian classical music, particularly for his contributions to reviving the barbat.

Life and Education

Hossein Behroozinia began his musical journey at the age of 9 when he enrolled in the Tehran Conservatory of Music. He studied the tar under Reza Vahdani, learned the oud (barbat) under Mansour Nariman, and mastered the radif (the traditional repertoire of Persian music) under Mohammad Reza Lotfi. His talent quickly became evident, leading to an invitation at age 17 to teach and work at the Center for the Preservation and Propagation of Persian Music. He later took on responsibilities for production and education at the center.

Artistic Career

Behroozinia is renowned for his distinctive style of playing the barbat in the Persian manner, which sets him apart from oud players who adopt Arabic techniques. He has performed extensively across Europe, Asia, and North America, holding numerous concerts. He has collaborated with prominent Iranian ensembles, including the Iran Percussive Orchestra, the Aref Ensemble, the Molana Ensemble, and, since 1992, the Dastan Ensemble.

Throughout his career, he has worked with celebrated vocalists such as Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Shahram Nazeri, Parissa, Sima Bina, Alireza Eftekhari, Homayoun Shajarian, and Salar Aghili. Behroozinia, in collaboration with master instrument maker Ebrahim Ghanbari-Mehr, played a pivotal role in reviving the barbat, reintroducing it to Iran’s music scene after centuries.

Awards and Recognition

In 2003, Behroozinia was honored by Iran’s Ministry of Culture with the First Order of Arts, the country’s highest artistic accolade. His 2006 album, From Stone to Diamond, secured second place in the Middle Eastern Album category at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards (JPF).

Discography

• Barbat (1987)
• Kohestan: Selected Folkloric Melodies of Iran
• Yadestan
• Vajd / Midnight Sun
• From Stone to Diamond (2006)
• A Call Beneath the Ashes