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Dariush Talai was born February 15, 1953, in Damavand, Iran. An Iranian tār and setār player . He began his musical training at the age of 11 at the National Music Conservatory in Tehran, studying with Ali Akbar Shahnazi (1896–1984), who had a profound influence on his playing style. Talāi continued his musical education with a degree in music at the University of Tehran, where he was awarded various prizes on graduation. Between 1971 and 1978 he also studied and taught at the Centre for the Preservation and Propagation of Iranian Music, working with prominent masters including Nur Ali Borumand, Abdollah Davami, Yusef Forutan and Said Hormozi. He also taught at the University of Tehran (1976–9). During the 1970s he performed at concerts organized by the Centre for the Preservation and Propagation of Iranian Music and appeared on television, at the Tālār Rudaki Hall in Tehran and at the annual Shiraz festival.

In 1979 Talai moved to France, combining his international performing career with teaching and research into Iranian music. From 1979 to 1987 he taught at the University of Paris (Sorbonne). He was also a visiting artist at the University of Washington from 1991 to 1992. More recently he has spent longer periods in Iran and was appointed to teach in the music department at Tehran University in 1993. As a performer Talai is noted for his extensive knowledge of the traditional repertory. He has been regarded as particularly important for his role in the promotion of Iranian music outside Iran.

- Grove Music Online, Laudan Nooshin