Madjid Khaladj (IR/F)

Born in Qazvin, Iran, Madjid Khaladj is internationally recognized as one of the greatest masters of Persian percussion. His early-starting career has made him a reference point both as a performer and as an educator, significantly contributing to the dissemination and evolution of traditional Iranian music. Khaladj began studying the tombak at the age of seven under the guidance of masters Maleki and Badjalan, heirs of Hossein Tehrani’s school, considered the father of modern tombak. By the age of twelve, he had won first prize at the Ramsar Festival for several consecutive years, a recognition that marked the beginning of a brilliant musical career. In 1980, Khaladj moved to France, where he was invited to teach at the Centre d’Études de Musiques Orientales at the Institut de Musicologie of Paris-Sorbonne under Yehudi Menuhin’s direction. In 1996, he founded the École de Tombak in Paris, which has become one of Europe’s leading centers for Iranian percussion studies. Since 1998, he has also taught at the Musik Akademie der Stadt Basel in Switzerland, helping to train numerous international percussionists. Khaladj has collaborated with prominent masters of Persian music such as Hossein Alizadeh, Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Kayhan Kalhor, and Hossein Omoumi. He has also contributed to soundtracks for international films, working with artists like Lisa Gerrard (The Insider), Ry Cooder (Geronimo, Last Man Standing), and Gabriel Yared (In the Land of Blood and Honey by Angelina Jolie). His numerous recordings attest to his mastery of improvisation and his ability to explore new sound frontiers while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Madjid Khaladj is considered a central figure in the revival of Persian percussion. His refined technique, innovative approach to improvisation, and commitment to training new generations of musicians have left an indelible mark on the global music scene. As master Hossein Alizadeh stated, Khaladj has created a new school of Iranian percussion, expanding the boundaries of this musical language.