SAMA is a musical and cultural project founded in 1994 by Ali Pirabi in Shiraz, Iran. Its main focus is the preservation, performance, and development of Iranian music and the regional musical traditions of Iran — traditions that are deeply rooted in the history, culture, and everyday life of the country’s diverse regions.
From the very beginning, SAMA has not only focused on classical Persian art music, but also on the musical traditions of various ethnic and regional cultures across Iran — from the melodies of Khorasan and Kurdistan to the music of southern Iran, Lorestan, and Azerbaijan. Through the use of traditional Iranian instruments and a strong commitment to musical authenticity, SAMA seeks to keep the many voices, stories, and colors of Iranian music alive.
SAMA’s first activities began as a small ensemble of musicians performing and arranging Iranian music together. Over the years, it gradually developed into a broader artistic platform for musical, cultural, and research-based projects.
Despite the many restrictions faced by musicians and artists in Iran, SAMA succeeded in organizing concerts and cultural activities over many years, creating a creative space for different generations of artists. Many members later emigrated to Europe, yet SAMA’s artistic work continued and expanded, especially in Germany.
Since 2026, the ensemble has been performing in an expanded form under the name “SAMA Orchestra.” Today, SAMA brings together musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds while maintaining its artistic focus on Iranian music and the regional musical traditions of Iran. In addition, trans-cultural projects occasionally emerge, creating opportunities for musical dialogue between cultures.
Alongside the orchestra, additional musical formations and artistic projects are being developed within SAMA, including the SAMA Choir, founded for vocal and poetry-based works. The goal of SAMA is to preserve, develop, and share the rich musical heritage of Iran with international audiences.