Born in Tehran, Iran, Behzad Ranjbaran’s musical education started early when he entered the Tehran Music Conservatory at the age of 9. He came to the United States in 1974 to attend Indiana University and received his doctorate in composition from The Juilliard School, where he currently serves on the faculty.

During 2009–10 season, the Virginia Symphony premiered his Concerto for Violin and Viola and the Santa Rosa Symphony premiered Mithra. Other recent works include concertos for piano and for violin, as well as Songs of Eternity based on the Ruba’iyat of Omar Khayyam, written for soprano Renée Fleming. International Sejong Soloists commissioned Awakening for premiere at the Great Mountains Music Festival in South Korea as a celebration of peace.

Recordings include the Persian Trilogy on the Delos label by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by JoAnn Falletta. This orchestral cycle, comprising the works Seven Passages, Seemorgh and The Blood of Seyavash, takes its inspiration from ancient Persian legends, as recounted in the 11th century epic poem “Shahnameh” (“The Book of Kings”). In describing this recording, American Record Guide said, “Ranjbaran has composed a noble and brilliantly conceived score, spectacularly orchestrated and filled with memorable tunes, meticulous development and impressive craftsmanship.”

Named a “Distinguished Artist” by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Ranjbaran’s honors also include a National Endowment for the Arts grant, a grant from Meet the Composer and a Charles Ives Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

LEARN MORE:

Visit Behzad Ranjbaran’s website to learn more about this composer and listen to selected excerpts of his music.

Read a 2007 interview by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Watch a video to experience his Persian-influenced work.