Amir Zaheri
Sound and Intellect in Dialogue
Choral and instrumental works, fixed and spatialized media, liturgical music, and interdisciplinary collaboration, performed from Carnegie Hall to festivals worldwide.
Listen
Begin with the music
A few selections, each naming its own track. Hear the full range across the compositions.
Professional Background
Centuries-old practice, contemporary urgency
Amir Zaheri is a composer, performer, educator, and liturgical artist whose work synthesizes centuries-old practices with urgent contemporary relevance. He is Associate Professor and Head of Music Composition at The University of Alabama, University Organist, Carillonneur of the Historic Denny Chimes, and Artistic Director of the Contemporary Music Ensemble.
His music, acclaimed for its emotional range and structural clarity, spans choral and instrumental works, fixed and spatialized media, interdisciplinary collaboration, liturgical music, and experimental installation.
Read the full background"A kind soul, who finds ways to help lead others to their artistic voice."— University of Alabama student
Accolades
Honors, awards & premieres
Organ Concerto: world premiereComposer and organist for the premiere of his four-movement concerto on the "Sweet Home's 300" Concert of Celebration.
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, Western Kentucky UniversityThe university's highest alumni honor; inducted as the 122nd member, and the youngest in its history.
Carnegie Hall: guest composer & conductorLed the premiere of After a Season of Silence, for chorus, soloists, and orchestra.
Screendance with Rebecca Salzer: international selectionsOfficial Selection and Award Winner in Berlin; screened from ScreenDance Miami to Lisbon, Houston, Hollywood, and Oberlin.
The American PrizeNational Judges Citation for "Special Achievement in Music for a Documentary Film," and a two-time finalist in composition.
Edinburgh Fringe · ClarinetFest · 30+ festivalsPremieres and performances across more than three dozen national and international venues.
Commission, program, or collaborate
Available for commissions, performances, residencies, and interdisciplinary projects.