Sohrab Pournazeri: The Renowned Composer, Traditional Music Innovator, and Cultural Icon

Early Life and Family Background: Roots of a Musical Prodigy

Birth and Childhood in Kermanshah

Sohrab Pournazeri was born on May 25, 1983, in Kermanshah, a city renowned for its rich musical and cultural traditions in Iran. Growing up in a culturally vibrant environment, he was immersed in Persian music and poetry from an early age. Kermanshah’s diverse musical heritage, especially its Kurdish regional music, significantly influenced his artistic development.

Artistic Family Heritage

Sohrab’s family played a pivotal role in nurturing his musical talent. His father, Kaykhosro Pournazeri, was a prominent musician and the founder of the Shams Group, an ensemble credited with reviving and popularizing the traditional Kurdish tanbur music. His mother, Giti Aqlimi, and his grandfather were also students of traditional masters, fostering a rich environment of musical education and cultural appreciation.

His brother, Tehmors Pournazeri, born in 1976, is a renowned tar and setar player, further contributing to the family’s musical legacy. Growing up amidst such musical giants, Sohrab was naturally drawn to the world of sound and poetry.

Early Exposure to Persian Music and Instruments

From the age of two, Sohrab was introduced to the tanbur by his father, often playing and experimenting with the instrument. Legend has it that his father’s tanbur was taller than him, symbolizing the early start of his musical journey. This early exposure fostered a natural affinity for traditional Persian instruments and music.

He developed a keen ear for music by reading Persian poetry, especially works by Rumi and Hafez, which later became central themes in his compositions. His childhood was filled with musical exploration, poetry reading, and learning traditional techniques.

February 1, 2026 | 6:41 pm