Welcome to "Dena”, second track from the new EP and mini-suite Za Zagros Ta Zuiderzee (in translation: “From Zagros to Zuiderzee”) by Marvash.This EP embraces and bridges two cultures - Iran and The Netherlands -offering a unique musical experience. Inspired by the stunning landscapes of the Zagros Mountains, "Dena" also reflects the elegance and depth found in the historic Zuiderzee (Dutch Southern Lake). This piece is part of the Marvash international project, merging traditional and contemporary sounds to transcend cultural and artistic boundaries.

Produced by Marvash
Composed, arranged & recorded by Siavash Kamkar & Martijn Soeterbroek
Mixed & mastered by Eric van de Lest
Artwork by Hanneke Vos
Siavash Kamkar - Santour 
Martijn Soeterbroek - Drums, percussion & additional keys

with: 
Bart Soeters - Bass
Saed Karami - Clarinets

Az Zagros Ta Zuiderzee

The Drums of Moresnet

Dena

Ebb & Flow (Introduction)

Damavand

Ballad of Zrebar

Over The Hills (Helperke)

Siavash Kamkar is an Iranian composer/Santour player. He was born and raised in the Kamkar family – home of Iranian and Kurdish music – and learned Santour and composing in his family. Siavash started producing music in his home studio when he was only 14 years old. His first independent live performance was in 2006 in Rudaki Hall of Tehran, where Parse Quartet string performed his compositions on String quartet and Santour. Thus far, he has released more than ten independent albums and many singles focused on his Santour playing style. 
Siavash has collaborated with many Iranian and international musicians over the years. He performed his compositions on the A Glimpse into the Light album with Roxanne Genot, a French cellist. He also collaborated with Martijn, a Dutch drummer/jazz composer, to produce the Marvash band's music pieces.
Siavash formed the Zhav band with his brother Neyriz and his friend Morteza Momenian Ehsan Emami. He played Santour in Zhav concerts and live performances and composed this band's album, Avount. He toured Iran with Pashang Kamkar Trio from 2016 to 2018 and made another concert tour with Ardavan Kamkar and Santour Trio Mahyar Toreihi and Mostafa Momenian from 2016 to 2019. 
Siavash was a member of the Iranian Orchestra of National Instruments from 2018 to 2020. He founded Sia Studio in 2019 in Tehran, where many professional Iranian music projects have been recorded. He has been a recording session player in many studio recording projects for well-known composers, including Hooshang Kamkar, Arsalan Kamkar, Karzan Mahmoud, Aria Aziminejad, Ehsan Zabihifar, and many others. Siavash has also edited some of the essential Santour schoolbooks of Pashang Kamkar and published his Santour compositions in a book entitled Mallet Dance in 2020. In addition, he was one of the editors of Mowj, Shuramra, and Ardavan Kamkar SanSantour'sllection pieces.
In recent years, he has focused on producing experimental Iranian music as an independent artist. He also has a YT show named Bekar that supports independent artists who produce music on digital platforms. In 2023, he started producing electronic music under the Sholex nickname on Music Platforms.