The Kamkars (Kurdish: Kamkaran کامکاران, Persian: کامکارها) is a Kurdish family of seven brothers and a sister, all from the city of Sanandaj, the capital of the Kurdistan province in Iran. They are one of the leading musical ensembles in Iran and Iraq today. Their repertoire ranges from the vast array of traditional Kurdish and Persian music with its poignant, entrancing melodies and uplifting high energy rhythms to the classical Kurdish and Persian classical music of Iran. The repertoire of Kurdish music is richly diverse and deeply rooted in the ancient history and culture of its proud and passionate people. It speaks of epic tales and wars, romantic love, and recounts ancient myths and stories of national and religious heroes, some of which date back to thousands of years to the time of the ancient Medes (the ancestors of the Kurds)."
The group has performed numerous concerts around the world, including their performance at the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony honoring Shirin Ebadi.
Group Members:
Hooshang Kamkar - (director and composer of the group),
Bijan Kamkar - (lead singer and Tar, Rubab, Tombak, Dohol and Daf player),
Pashang Kamkar - (Santoor player),
Ghashang Kamkar - (Setar player),
Arjang Kamkar - (Tonbak player),
Arsalan Kamkar - (Barbat, Oud and Violin player),
Ardeshir Kamkar - (Kamancheh and Ghaychak player),
Ardavan Kamkar - (Santoor player),
Maryam Ebrahimpour - (vocalist),
Saba Kamkar - (vocalist),
Hanna Kamkar - (Daf),
Neyriz Kamkar - (Tar player),
Omid Lotfi - (Setar player)
