Sohrab Pournazeri: The Renowned Composer, Traditional Music Innovator, and Cultural Icon
Professional Career and Notable Works
Early Collaborations and Breakthrough
Sohrab’s professional career began in the late 1990s, collaborating with prominent Iranian artists and ensembles. His early projects included fusion music, experimental compositions, and performances that showcased his mastery over traditional instruments.
Film Music and Soundtracks
In 2009, Sohrab Pournazeri made his debut in film music with the score for the film “Bepoli”, directed by Hamid Nematollah. This marked a significant turning point, allowing him to reach broader audiences.
Subsequently, he composed music for acclaimed films such as “Aaraish Ghaliz” (2013) and “Rag Khab” (2016). His soundtrack for “Rag Khab” earned him prestigious awards and recognition for blending traditional music with cinematic storytelling.
Major Albums and Collaborations
- “Ba Man Sanama” (from the album Aaraish Ghaliz): Performed by Homayoun Shajarian, this piece became immensely popular, establishing Pournazeri as a leading composer.
- “Godhanan Asrar” (2015): An album featuring compositions based on Rumi’s poetry, created in collaboration with Homayoun Shajarian.
- “Iran Man” (2018): An album that combines classical Persian poetry with contemporary music, becoming one of the best-selling albums of the year.
- “Rag Khab” (2017): A critically acclaimed album that won numerous awards, including the Golden Statuette at the Ma Music Festival.
Notable Performances and Projects
- “Si” and “Si Sad”: Concerts that combined music and theater, focusing on stories from the Persian epic Shahnameh. These performances, staged in Tehran and the Saadabad Palace, received widespread acclaim.
- “Thirty Hundred Times”: An expanded version of the Si project, performed in 1402, blending historical themes with contemporary perspectives.
Collaborations with Homayoun Shajarian
One of the defining aspects of Pournazeri’s career has been his collaboration with Homayoun Shajarian, Iran’s most celebrated classical singer. Their partnership has produced some of the most iconic works in recent Iranian music history.
February 1, 2026 | 6:41 pm