From The Caspian Sea To The Persian Gulf

Golrokh Aminian (Khodabandehlou) is a trained soprano who started her music education as a child by learning to play the violin. She studied vocal techniques in Iran under the supervision of Mrs. Sanousian and was also a member of the Iran Youth Choir at Tehran Roudaki (Vahdat) Hall. Golrokh continued her vocal training in Toronto at the Royal Conservatory of Music and later on trained with prominent opera singers such as Claire de Sévigné. In 2015, Golrokh co-founded, together with Amir Rahbar, "Cultural Interchange - 360", a not for profit organization aiming at becoming a cross-cultural bridge for bringing people of different backgrounds together, through music and other performing arts. Golrokh’s most recent project, “A Window to a Dream” was a fully staged opera with the most beloved arias translated to Farsi. Golrokh holds a BA in Mathematics and a second BA in Business Administration and Finance. When not singing, she works full time as a Senior Finance Manager in the corporate world.

Saman Shahi is a JUNO-nominated composer, pianist, conductor and educator based in Toronto. His compositions have been performed, and broadcast around the world and include orchestral works, operas, ballets, and many works for choral, vocal and chamber ensembles. Saman holds a master's degree in composition from the University of Toronto, is an affiliate Member of the Canadian League of Composers, Associate Composer at the Canadian Music Centre as well as a SOCAN member. He is a Co-Founder and the Executive Director at ICOT, Music Director at the Peterborough Concert band, and a composer and teaching artist with the Canadian Opera Company. In 2020 Saman's debut composition album "Breathing in the Shadows" was recorded and released by Leaf Music. All song cycles in this album have won awards both in Canada and the United States including a 2022 JUNO Awards nomination. His second album, “Microlocking” was released by People|Places|Records in 2021.

Kourosh Babaei is a renowned Kamancheh player, composer, music instructor, and performer specializing in traditional Persian music. With a musical journey that began at 12, Kourosh quickly gained recognition for his exceptional technique, virtuosity, and distinctive musical style. Throughout his career, he has consistently embraced fresh ideas and fostered collaborations across various genres of music. Kourosh has been actively involved in numerous fusion projects, firmly believing in the boundless nature of art. In 2016, Kourosh immigrated to Canada, where he has become an integral part of the vibrant music scene across North America. Since 2017, he has served as the esteemed artistic director of the Borderless Band, leading and shaping their creative endeavours. Kourosh’s compositions have garnered international acclaim, and his published works can be accessed on various esteemed music platforms worldwide.

Sohrab started music at the age of 11 with classical Guitar and when he was 19 he chose Cello as his main instrument! After his graduation from University of Tehran in music performance, he went to Belgium to pursue his education at the Royal conservatory of Gent then he moved to Toronto and graduated from University of Toronto in Master of music performance under supervision of Professor Joseph Johnson. He was a member of cello section in Tehran Symphony orchestra and has participated in several international festivals around the world. He has recorded a range of new works from various international composers either as a soloist or as a chamber musician. As an educator, he has a cello instructor position in Sistema Toronto and Community music school of Toronto.

Ali Massoudi is a percussionist and academic, born in Iran. His talent has led him to collaborate with various renowned musicians and ensembles, such as the Iranian National Music Orchestra, Tehran Symphony Orchestra, and more. Throughout his career, Ali has performed across numerous countries like Iran, Turkey, Cuba, China, and Europe. In Canada, he actively participates in the music scene and co-founded the Navasaz Music Academy.

Known for his virtuoso energy on stage, creative musical arrangements and an entertaining way of speaking with the audience, Peter Stoll performs regularly in Toronto and southern Ontario with many orchestral and chamber groups, and has toured as soloist and with ensembles to the USA, across Europe and to Russia, Japan and China. In 2019 he won a Dora Mavor Moore Award as part of Best EnsembleOpera. Recent seasons’ solo and chamber highlights have included concerts for Music Toronto and the Maison de la Culture Frontenac in Montreal. A recording of re-imagined chamber music with members of the Canadian Brass was released on the Opening Day label, and Peter performed the Canadian premiere of noted American wind ensemble composer Brian Balmages' concerto "Escapades" with the composer conducting. Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, Peter teaches clarinet, chamber music, performance and education studies. He is also a member of the Royal Conservatory of Music's National College of Examiners, and is much sought after as an adjudicator at music festivals across the country.

Saba Yousefi is an Iranian-Canadian violinist, educator, administrator, and co-founder of LyreIran. This collaborative organization promotes free and accessible educational content for music students worldwide, focusing on the Middle East. Saba holds a Master of Violin Performance and a Bachelor of Violin Performance with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Toronto. She is a former member of the University of Toronto Pedagogy School. She has dedicated her research to exploring new methods for professional musicians to overcome physical injuries and develop innovative mental health techniques. Saba co-founded and was a member of the Chaam Trio, a Toronto-based ensemble renowned for blending Traditional Persian music with contemporary Western techniques. Her dedication to excellence has been recognized through her receipt of the University of Toronto Graduate Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Her recent collaborations include conducting workshops for composers, hosting webinars for music students, and delivering various performances for social and cultural causes. Saba has a diverse musical background, having served as a former member of the Ontario Philharmonic and performed as both a soloist and chamber musician across Canada, the Middle East, and China. Saba was invited to participate in the SoundScape Festival in Blonay, Switzerland, as part of a composer and performer exchange. With a deep commitment to contemporary music, Saba actively engages with new music written by contemporary composers worldwide. Her passion for modern repertoire was reflected in her performance at Salle Bourgie Hall in Montreal in April, where she spotlighted contemporary pieces by Iranian women composers. This concert was a testament to her dedication to bringing fresh, innovative sounds to the stage and showcasing the richness of contemporary music.

Scott Peterson is a composer, producer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and singer. He writes and produces music under the moniker “Prince Enoki.” Scott has worked with Laraaji, Art of Time Ensemble, and Toronto’s Massey Hall Band. His bass playing can be heard on recordings by ICOT, Riverrun, Lara Solnicki, in the Bruce Mcdonald film “Dreamland”, and the CBC series “The Porter.” Scott contributed throat singing to Jonathan Goldsmith’s score for the film Burn Your Maps and recorded as featured vocalist with the Elmer Iseler Singers. He produced and arranged albums by Nhapitapi & mystery tea. Scott has a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Bass from University of Calgary. He has studied throat singing in Tuva, guitar in Brazil, gamelan in Bali, and composition and piano in Toronto.

Anooheh Booryaee: Dance performer, Instructor and Choreographer/ Owner of Anooheh Dance Inc., is an Iranian-Canadian dancer who has learned various forms of dances, such as Belly dancing, Azerbaijani dances, Classical and Fusion Persian dance and Contemporary dance and performed in numerous stages and festivals in Toronto and other cities in Canada. Her goal is to train a new generation of dance enthusiasts who can show the beauty of original Iranian dances through international performances. Ultimately, relying on her creativity and artistic experiences, Anooheh always seeks new combinations and ideas in the field of modern art and fusion performances.

I’m Amir Ebneroomi, a soul shaped by the melodies of Bushehr, where the rhythms of southern Iran pulse through the very air. Six years ago, I set sail for Toronto, carrying with me the echoes of my homeland. My journey with music began in the cradle of my youth, where I first felt the notes resonate with my spirit. For years, I have immersed myself in the rich tapestry of southern music, weaving its rhythms and melodies into my life. This blend of heritage and harmony has become my voice, a way to share the beauty of my culture and the depths of my experience with the world.

During and after academic studies on native Iranian wind musical instruments such as, Sorna, Ney-Anban, Donaley and so forth, I dedicated 16 years of my efforts to the field of music, participating in bands and producing different music albums. Due to the extensive field research conducted in the field of folk music and familiarity with local musicians throughout Iran, not only am I capable of performing music on stage, but also I am able to make, produce and perform various documentaries of art, culture and music blog of the people of Iran.