Musician profile
Mahya Panahi
Sydney-based tanbur performer, ethnomusicologist, teacher and leader of Sama Ensemble.
Artist story
Mahya Panahi is a Sydney-based Iranian tanbur performer, ethnomusicologist and music teacher whose work is deeply rooted in the musical heritage of western Iran.
With more than fifteen years of performance experience, Mahya explores the distinctive voice of the tanbur through traditional repertoire, improvisation and contemporary collaborations. Her practice honours one of the oldest living musical traditions of the region while opening it to new cultural conversations.
Mahya leads the Sydney-based Sama Ensemble and teaches the tanbur, helping listeners and students discover the history, expressive depth and spiritual significance of the instrument.