Saina Khaledi is a sought-after musician and composer, who is part Persian goddess, and part Moana — a blend of ancient grace, artistic mastery, and wild-hearted nature that shapes everything she touches.
Saina comes from Iran, the most ancient country in the world – the land of Rumi and Hafez, the birthplace of Santur and tar, the home of the benevolent mythical Seemurgh/phoenix, and she carries with her the musical soul of that land. She grew up in a deeply musical household and started playing Santur and Tombak when she was only 5. Saina’s artistry reflects her beautiful lineage well. Shaped by a father who was a beloved singer and accordion player, and growing up with a brother who is also a recognized artist, she is a living tapestry in which musical rhythm, poetic cadence, and a sense of spiritual wonder are interwoven into a unique masterpiece.
Today, she teaches at Capilano University as a PMI (Private Music Instructor) and offers private and online lessons, nurturing musicians with the same devotion she gives her own craft. A professional musician, santoor player, tombak player, and composer, Saina has performed on various international stages alongside world-renowned artists. Saina’s work has garnered her a notable award at the Iranian Santoor festival, and her work was featured at the Classical Road to the Juno’s Award on CBC. Saina”s music has been featured across multiple media platforms, and she has graced prestigious concert halls across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Saina is free-spirited like the meaning of her name: Seemurgh, the mythical bird from Persian mythology known for its wisdom, healing powers, and protective nature. When she first arrived in Canada, many suggested she enter a more “practical” field of work and keep music as a side work. However, unbounded by social norms and expectations, she stayed true to her vocation of music, like keeping a promise to carry her torch of love entrusted to her, burning bright and lighting the way wherever she goes.
Her music and voice are unmistakably soothing—gentle yet purposeful, delicate yet deeply rooted. When she plays, the music feels to flow without effort. Across continents and across generations, her sound carries the same gentle spell. In ornate concert halls, in her home at 2 am with a small group of friends or drifting from a car stereo, her music soothes, aligns, and wraps listeners—toddlers or adults—in a deep, luminous calm.
Saina is there for her friends, and for her community, with a helping hand or two hands holding her mezrab, helping, reaching out, or playing in service of causes that matter deeply. She supports community efforts with generosity, humility, and that assuring smile everyone loves.
There is something ancient, divine, and unmistakably Persian goddess–like in Saina—an essence that lingers in her presence and moves through her music. You see it in her music, in her work as well as her carefully decorated home — colourful, filled with traditional Persian artwork and trinkets, and warmed by her hospitality. She is the kind of host who cooks grandmother-quality food, and hosts you until well into the evening, then makes you feel extra loved and special as she and her husband Ali, play and sing for and with their guests.
And then there is the Moana side of her — the nature-loving, water-chasing, outdoorsy adventurer who never hesitates to jump off a boat to swim under a waterfall or plunge into the cold Pacific Ocean in snowy January. If she’s not performing at a concert or composing something new, she’s likely aiming for a birdie on a golf course somewhere. She is also a great camping companion who skis, hikes, practices yoga, and bikes with you, then brings her culinary magic to the open fire — chopping wood herself before preparing a feast under the stars.
Guided by the stars, wherever her journey leads, those lucky enough to be in her orbit will continue to feel the quiet radiance she carries into every space.
-Written by Marjan Jamsaz
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Which hood are you in?
I moved to Canada in 2009 from Tehran, Iran, where I was born and raised. My husband and I used to live in Downtown Vancouver for 8 months, then we moved to North Burnaby in 2010, where we found a peaceful environment and its beautiful nature. We are still enjoying our place and neighbourhood here after almost 16 years!
What do you do?
I am a professional musician, Santour player (Persian Traditional Instrument), Tombak player (Persian Percussion), Music Instructor and Composer. I have been in the music industry for more than 30 years, and I’m proud to be able to present Santour to the multicultural community we live in.
I work with different ensembles and orchestras as a Santour player and Composer and have been performing globally. I teach Santour at Capilnao University as well as private and online lessons.
I also love to do different sports activities besides music, which makes me more creative as a musician. So, I try to keep my life as active as I can includings Hiking, Biking, Playing Tennis, Playing Golf, Swimming, Skiing etc.
What are you currently working on?
I recently finished some projects, including a Remembrance Day concert with Chor Leoni, a new album recording and a concert with Vancouver Intercultural Orchestra.
The next project that I’m working on is the Christmas Concerts with Chor Leoni coming up December 18-20, 2025, at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church in downtown Vancouver. I got commissioned by Chore Leoni to compose a piece for this event, and I am super excited to be a part of this program both as a Santour player and Composer.
Where can we find your work?
I mostly post my projects on my Facebook and Instagram. You will also be able to see some of my performances and videos on YouTube by searching my name. For the upcoming Christmas project with Chor Leoni, please visit their website.
