Renowned for his virtuosity and innovative approach to percussion, Ziya Tabassian, embarked on his musical odyssey at the age of ten, immersing himself in the resonant beats of the tombak, in Iran. His journey continued in Quebec, where he melded classical Western percussion with his Eastern roots, studying with Julien Grégoire between 1994 and 2001 and earning a Bachelor’s degree in interpretation from the Université de Montréal. A pivotal moment in Tabassian’s artistic evolution occurred during a transformative residency at The Banff Centre in 2003. Here, he seamlessly blended Iranian percussion with contemporary influences, a fusion that continues to define his distinctive sound. Tabassian’s global pursuits led him to master classes with luminaries such as Bahman Rajabi, Aziz Alami, Trichy Sankaran, Mısırli Ahmet, Shree Sundarkumar, and Yogesh Samsi. His boundless curiosity and tireless exploration have made him a prominent figure in early music (medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque), contemporary and world music. As a percussionist, Tabassian’s versatility shines through in collaborations with diverse musical groups, including the Regard Persan trio, Ensemble Caprice and now the Toronto Consort. His performances have graced stages in over 40 countries, earning acclaim in prestigious festivals and concert halls. Supported by the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and the Canada Council for the Arts, Tabassian’s discography is marked by collaborations with the likes of the Kronos Quartet, Kayhan Kalhor, and Mercan Dede. His solo albums, including « Tombak » (2007), « The Circle of the Cycles » (2017), and « Zarb-e Osul » (2020), showcase his deep exploration of Persian rhythmic cycles. Recently, Tabassian unveiled « Remembrances », an album featuring his original compositions for instrumental ensembles. His compositions are characterized by a rich tapestry of sounds, seamlessly weaving together traditional and modern influences.His artistry continues to captivate audiences, offering a captivating blend of tradition and innovation.
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