He won the “Isaac Stern Human Spirit” award in 2018, the WOMEX Artist Award (2019), among others, recognizing not just his musical artistry but his role in cultural exchange. He has held Iranian and Canadian citizenships, and later moved to the U.S. Obtaining residency/permanent status involved some difficulties, especially after the heightened tensions post-9/11. His wife faced visa/travel obstacles. At times he has lived in Iran, teaching, composing, performing, though political and social constraints have sometimes posed challenges.
Kalhor is seen as one of the leading figures who has brought Persian and Kurdish traditional music to global audiences. Through his collaborations and touring, he has built bridges between cultures. One of the distinguishing features of his work is how he remains grounded in traditional forms (radif, folk modes, regional styles) while innovating—through cross-cultural collaborations, improvisation, new compositional work. Both and beyond, he is a model of integrity, musical depth, and adaptability. He shows how traditional music can remain vibrant and relevant in a globalized world.
