Music Composer

Saba Bidar

Saba Bidar, a composer and Tar player, merges Persian classical and contemporary elements. Inspired by poetry, she uses Persian verses to expand ideas in music and address societal issues, blending tradition with her unique musical language.

• Bio

Biography

Saba Bidar, a composer and Tar player hailing from Tehran, Iran, weaves Persian classical and contemporary classical music vocabularies into her compositions. Born in a country rich in poetry, she uses Persian poems to express concerns, expand her ideas in musical language, and shed light on societal issues through a fusion of traditions and her musical language.
Her compositions have been performed by esteemed ensembles such as the Juno-nominated Land’s End Ensemble, earning her recognition in reading sessions with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and airtime on CJSW radio station. In Iran, her influence extends to performances with renowned ensembles like Ghasedak. A recipient of the Polyna Savridi Memorial Foundation and Music Department Scholarship, Saba's solo flute parts have graced Calgary's stages and anticipate upcoming performances in her homeland.
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Saba has embraced leadership roles, serving as a fellow in festivals such as Alchemy and coordinating efforts within the Graduate Music Society Association. Currently she is undertaking her PhD at Louisiana State University. She gained ger Master’s degree in Music Composition at the University of Calgary, she is under the expert guidance of Professor Allan Gordon Bell and Dr. Laurie Radford. Her educational journey began with a BA in Composition from Tehran University of Art, studying under the mentorship of Karen Keyhani and Mohammadreza Tafazzoli, and honing orchestration skills with Sohrab Kashef. Additionally, As Tar player she boasts the distinct privilege of attending classes with Hooshang Zarif and mastering her craft through master classes with the renowned maestro Hossein Alizadeh.

Contact

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