Experience the Vibrant Sounds of Iran: Captivating Music Performances at the University of Toronto New Music Festival
Iranian music has made a significant mark at the University of Toronto New Music Festival (UTNMF), which is currently taking place in Toronto, Canada. The festival, renowned for showcasing contemporary music, hosted a symposium and performance featuring the acclaimed composer Reza Vali on February 1. This event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Iranian music while offering a platform for both established and emerging artists.
Reza Vali, aged 74, has had an illustrious career in music that began at the Conservatory of Music in Tehran. His journey took him to Austria in 1972, where he pursued music education and composition at the prestigious Academy of Music in Vienna. After completing his studies, Vali moved to the United States, where he furthered his education at the University of Pittsburgh, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in music theory and composition in 1985. Since 1988, he has been a faculty member at the School of Music at Carnegie Mellon University.
Vali’s contributions to music have not gone unnoticed; he has received numerous accolades and commissions, including:
- The honor prize from the Austrian Ministry of Arts and Sciences
- Two Andrew W. Mellon Fellowships
- Commissions from prominent organizations like the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project
- Grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and The Pittsburgh Foundation
His orchestral compositions have been performed by several renowned orchestras in the United States, including the Pittsburgh Symphony, Seattle Symphony, and Baltimore Symphony. Vali’s music has transcended borders, being performed in various countries, including Europe, China, Chile, Mexico, Hong Kong, and Australia. His works are recorded on esteemed labels such as Deutsche Grammophon, Naxos, and Albany.
During the festival, Vali also conducted two composition masterclasses, sharing his profound knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. Prior to Vali’s performance, an Iranian music concert was held on January 31, which featured a rich array of traditional and contemporary pieces.
This concert was curated and conducted by Kaveh Mirhosseini, a DMA student at the University of Toronto and an Iranian composer. Mirhosseini is well-known for his work as a conductor, percussionist, and researcher of Iranian folk music. He founded the Cantus Ensemble in Tehran in 2012 and the Middle Eastern Composers Association. In 2024, he established the JAM Orchestra in Toronto, further contributing to the vibrant music scene.
Throughout his career, Mirhosseini has played for 14 years as the principal percussionist in the Tehran Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and has served as a guest conductor for both the TSO and the Iran National Symphony Orchestra. His compositions have been performed by various orchestras and ensembles, including:
- Mili Reasurans Chamber Orchestra (Istanbul, Turkey)
- Koda Orchestra (Izmir, Turkey)
- Soloists such as Annie Kosanovich and Branka Parlic
Mirhosseini has also recorded orchestral pieces with the Tehran Cantus Ensemble and has collaborated on albums featuring both Iranian and non-Iranian composers. Some notable works include:
- Christos Hatzis’s “Zeitgeist” and “Winter Solstice”
- Reza Vali’s “Zand”
- M.R. Darvishi’s “The Lost of Truth”
- Mehran Rouhani’s “For Those”
The University of Toronto New Music Festival is an international celebration of contemporary music, held annually by the University of Toronto Faculty of Music. The festival commenced on January 24 and will continue until February 4, providing a vibrant platform for musical exchange and innovation.
As the festival progresses, it remains a testament to the power of music in bridging cultures and celebrating diversity, showcasing the rich tapestry of Iranian music through both performances and educational opportunities. With artists like Reza Vali and Kaveh Mirhosseini leading the way, the future of contemporary Iranian music is in very capable hands.
