Kayhan Kalhor was born on 24 November 1963 in Kermanshah, or alternatively cited as Tehran in some sources—he is of Kurdish heritage. He began learning music when he was very young (around age 5-7) and by the age of 13 was already a member of National Orchestra of Radio and Television. He studied the Iranian classical tradition known as Radif, and also travelled throughout Iran (especially regions such as Khorasan and Kurdistan) to absorb local folk styles and influences (Kurdish, Turkic, Persian).
In his late teens/around age 17, Kalhor left Iran to continue his studies abroad — in Rome, Italy, and later in Ottawa, Canada, where he attended Carleton University. After obtaining Canadian citizenship, he later moved to the United States and established a wide international career. He has worked with prominent ensembles and musicians around the world. He is a founding member or co-founder of ensembles such as Dastan, Ghazal, Masters of Persian Music, and has been a key figure in Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble.
