The Music of Iran

Born in Ghazvin, Iran, composer Reza Vali’s vibrant works blend the traditional music of Iran with contemporary styles, bringing distinct Persian sounds to chamber and orchestral ensembles. His music has been commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Kronos Quartet, the Seattle Chamber Players, and more. A faculty member of Yale University and longtime interpreter of Vali’s music, mezzo-soprano Janna Baty has been described by The Boston Globe as having “a rich, viola-like tone” and singing with “a rapturous, luminous lyricism.” Hamid Taghavi, a master of the Persian hammered dulcimer instrument known as the santur (سنتور), was born in Ahar, Iran. He is known for his work with Persian music legends such as Alireza Eftekhari, Hamid Noorbakhsh, Homayoun Shajariyan, and acclaimed organizations such as the Arasbaran Ensemble and Shams Ensemble.

Presented by Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra. For questions about the event, please contact info@smcomusic.org.