Mohammad Reza Mortazavi is an Iranian-born percussionist and tombak player from Isfahan, born in 1978, and based in Berlin.

Early training

He begins tombak lessons at the age of six, supported by parents who are both musicians. By the age of nine, he has already progressed beyond what his teacher can offer him, and the tombak becomes the central focus of his musical life.

Playing style and development

Mortazavi is known for extending the traditional limits of tombak and daf playing through finger techniques and varied sound production. His self-composed pieces and approach give the instrument a wider range of expression.

Career and performances

During the following years, he repeatedly wins first prizes at Iran’s annual tombak competition, an event reserved for the country’s leading players. By the age of 20, he is regarded as the world’s best tombak player. He performs to sold-out audiences in Tehran and later travels to Germany at the age of 22, where he plays in Munich and receives an enthusiastic response. He also releases several CDs and is invited to perform widely across Europe.

Awards

In 2003, he receives the world music young talent award at the international Ruth festival in Rudolstadt, chosen from among 600 competitors.