Ardavan Kamkar is a distinguished santur player born in 1968 in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran. He began learning the santur at just four years old under the guidance of his father, Hassan Kamkar. Later he moved to Tehran to refine his technique working with his brother Pashang Kamkar.

His style blends traditional Persian and Kurdish techniques with his own creative innovations. He developed new cuts and playing methods that allow expressive flexibility, balancing strength and agility between both hands — a refinement many believe gives his performances a unique fluidity.

Ardavan is a member of the well‑known ensemble The Kamkars, a Kurdish Iranian musical family group renowned for its fusion of local traditions with broader Persian classical influence. With The Kamkars he has performed internationally, bringing the sound of the santur to diverse audiences around the world.

He has also taken on solo work, appearing on recordings such as “Night, Silence and Desert” and “Mandir” and others, showing both mastery and innovation in his craft.

Ardavan’s contributions elevate the santur, not just preserving tradition but extending its expressive possibilities through performance, composition, and collaboration.