Vahid Asadollahi

Vahid Asadollahi (b. 1960, Ardabil) is widely regarded as one of Iran’s foremost masters of Azerbaijani percussion. He began studying the qaval at eleven with his brother, later took up the naqareh under Hooshang Ziveh, and at sixteen began accompanying the celebrated tar master Ali Salimi—an early professional partnership that shaped his rhythmic voice. After nearly two decades of performing in Iran, Asadollahi traveled to the Republic of Azerbaijan at twenty-nine to pursue advanced training with Elmas Quliyev; from 1998 he continued his studies in Baku with Safarali Javid, gaining extensive orchestral experience and becoming the first foreign naqareh soloist invited to perform with the Baku Philharmonic Orchestra. His distinctive combination of technical command, stylistic sensitivity, and deep knowledge of Azerbaijani rhythmic modes has made him a sought-after collaborator across national ensembles and chamber settings.

Since 2006 Asadollahi has led the Azerbaijani Music Orchestra of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), shaping repertoire and mentoring a generation of percussionists; he has also twice won first prize at the Fajr Music Festival, served on juries at national festivals (notably Kerman, 2001), and received the Best Composition & Arrangement Award for the song “Sari Gelin” at the 18th National Radio & Television Festival of Iran’s Provincial Centers. A tireless performer and cultural ambassador, he has toured widely, including concerts and residencies in Canada, the United States, France, Germany, and Italy, and has collaborated with leading conductors and orchestras in Azerbaijan and Iran (among them performances with the Grand Radio Television Orchestra of Baku under Prof. Nariman Azimli). Colleagues and critics often refer to him as the “Father of the Naqareh in Iran,” a recognition of both his performing stature and his contributions to pedagogy and ensemble practice.

Selected recordings and collaborations that illustrate the breadth of his work include Ay Beniz, Banafsheh, Rima, Dugah, Dast Afshan, Mahur-e Hendi, Gorush (Didar), Vesal, Rengs of Azerbaijan, Rhythms of Azerbaijan, Dances of Azerbaijan, Monas, Zarb-e Azar (a duet with Kambiz Ganjei), Melodies of Azerbaijani Iran (Volumes 1 & 2), the Azerbaijani Radifs series (Volumes 1–6), Old Dances of Azerbaijan, Elin (with Prof. Nariman Azimli and the Grand Radio Television Orchestra of Baku), and Uzun Dərə. Whether as a soloist, orchestral collaborator, teacher, or adjudicator, Asadollahi’s playing combines muscular clarity with expressive nuance, preserving traditional rhythmic forms while expanding their expressive possibilities for contemporary audiences.

CambiataArt Records proudly presents Vahid Asadollahi: Rhythms of Azerbaijan — a landmark recording showcasing the artistry of one of Iran’s most distinguished masters of Azerbaijani percussion. Rooted in the rhythmic vitality and expressive depth of Azerbaijani musical heritage, this album brings forward Asadollahi’s lifelong dedication to the naqareh, dayereh (qaval), and garmon. Through these performances, he reimagines traditional forms with both authenticity and innovation, illuminating the dynamic pulse that lies at the heart of Azerbaijani music. Capturing the refined nuances of his technique and his deep cultural insight, Rhythms of Azerbaijan stands as a vivid testament to Asadollahi’s artistry and CambiataArt Records’ commitment to preserving and celebrating the living traditions of Iranian and Azerbaijani classical music.