Santoor · Persian Classical Music · United Kingdom
Behnam
Ghazanfaripour
Bridging civilisations through the strings of the santoor —
where ancient Persian tradition meets the world.
Biography
Behnam Ghazanfaripour is a Persian santoor player and musician, born in Iran and currently based in the United Kingdom. A graduate in music from an Iranian university, he specialises in Persian classical and folk music with a deep commitment to sharing the authentic culture and artistic heritage of Iran with international audiences.
The santoor is his primary instrument — a hammered dulcimer of extraordinary resonance and delicacy, central to Persian classical tradition. He is also an accomplished tombak player. His performances are defined by a refined balance of technical mastery and emotional depth, firmly rooted in the rich traditions of Persian music.
"Music is a universal language. Through the santoor, I carry the genuine culture and art of the Iranian people to the world — building bridges that transcend borders."
In 2024, Behnam was recognised as one of the most influential foreign artists in Northern Ireland. He has appeared multiple times on BBC platforms and his work has been featured in The Guardian, Euronews, and The Irish News.
Through concerts, collaborations, workshops, and educational activities, he continues to build bridges between cultures and bring Persian music to diverse audiences worldwide.
Gallery
Moments on Stage
Milestones
Recognition &
Achievements
A career shaped by artistic excellence, cultural diplomacy, and an unwavering mission to bring Persian music to the world stage.
Paris 2025 Paralympic Games
Performed at the opening ceremony as a representative of the United Kingdom — an international recognition of his artistic excellence and cultural contribution.
2025Iran International Documentary
Subject of a documentary by Iran International — the most widely viewed Iranian television network worldwide — focusing on his artistic life and career.
RecentBBC Documentary
The BBC broadcast a full documentary about his life and musical performance — a testament to his impact on British cultural life as a Persian musician.
2022Edinburgh Fringe 2026
Set to present 25 live performances — the highest number of concerts by any solo musician or group within the festival programme.
2026Erfurt Symphony Orchestra
Collaborated with the Erfurt Symphony Orchestra in Germany — a celebrated fusion of Persian classical music with Western symphonic tradition.
GermanyMost Influential Foreign Artist
Recognised as one of the most influential foreign artists in Northern Ireland in 2024, honouring his extraordinary cultural impact.
2024Listen
Music &
Recordings
Watch
Live Performances
& Documentaries
Performances
Festivals &
Concerts
From Tehran to Belfast, Edinburgh to Warsaw — a life lived on stages worldwide.
Press & Media
In the World's
Spotlight
BBC
Documentary on his life and musical performance. Multiple appearances as performer and interview guest.
The Guardian
Featured coverage of his work and cultural contributions to British musical life.
Euronews
International feature on his role as a bridge between Persian and European culture through music.
Iran International
Full documentary on his artistic life and career, broadcast on the most widely viewed Iranian television network worldwide.
The Irish News
Coverage of his artistic impact and influence in Northern Ireland's cultural scene.
Kayhan London
Live santoor performance during interview — a rare and intimate showcase of his instrument and artistry.
Education
Passing the
Tradition On
Behnam has been teaching the santoor worldwide — both in person and online — since 1988. With over three and a half decades of teaching experience, he has shaped the next generation of Persian music performers across multiple continents.
His masterclasses and workshops bring Persian classical tradition to students of all backgrounds, pairing technical rigour with a deep respect for the living heritage of the music.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026
Live Performances
The highest number of concerts by any solo musician or group within the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme — a landmark achievement in Behnam's international career and a historic moment for Persian music on the world stage.
Get in Touch
Concerts, Collaborations
& Workshops
For booking enquiries, concert invitations, workshop requests, or press and media, please reach out. Behnam welcomes opportunities to share Persian music with audiences and institutions worldwide.
Connect
Follow & Connect
Stay updated with performances, releases, and cultural initiatives from Behnam Ghazanfaripour.
Direct Contact
beni_ban@yahoo.com+447429999526