The Castle, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DG. Doors open 1.00pm.

An exile in the UK, Iranian-Kurdish musician, Zanyar Hesami, performs on the Daf, also known as Dâyere or Riq, a hand held Iranian frame drum and the national instrument of the Kurdish people. The Daf drum is notable for its size and the presence of metal rings attached to the inner frame. These rings add a jingle effect to the drum's sound, creating a unique combination of percussive beats and melodic chimes.

Tickets: included in ticket for the following discussion.

Zanyar Hesami is an Iranian-Kurdish musician based in London with over 20 years of professional experience in performance, composition and music education. He specializes in traditional percussion and string instruments, particularly the Daf and Divan (known as Baglama in Turkey and Saz across Europe).

Zanyar is the founder and artistic director of the Sejar Percussion Band in Iran and a co-founder of the Zagros Ensemble in London, established in 2024. He has collaborated with renowned artists and performed in numerous concerts and festivals across Europe and the Middle East.

In recent years, he has been focused on redefining the role of the Daf beyond its traditional roots, introducing it as a vibrant and creative element within modern music contexts and contemporary European ensembles. His approach bridges deep cultural heritage with new musical languages.

Alongside his stage performances, Zanyar has been actively involved in music education, rhythm workshops and the creation of innovative musical works. His artistic journey is marked by a commitment to blending authenticity with modern expression in contemporary music.

Instagram: @zanyarhesami