I am a composer and researcher specialising in contemporary Iranian musical theatre through practice-led approaches. My work uses Iranian modal systems (dastgāh/āvāz) and Iranian vocal aesthetics as compositional engines for dramatic structure, foregrounding voice, modality, and embodied performance. I also investigate questions of transmission, vocal technique, and the relationship between music and dramaturgy—reactivating Iranian performance traditions in contemporary staged contexts through both artistic practice and teaching.…

SORENA SABAH SORENA SABAH

I am a composer and researcher specialising in contemporary Iranian musical theatre through practice-led approaches. My work uses Iranian modal systems (dastgāh/āvāz) and Iranian vocal aesthetics as compositional engines for dramatic structure, foregrounding voice, modality, and embodied performance. I also investigate questions of transmission, vocal technique, and the relationship between music and dramaturgy—reactivating Iranian performance traditions in contemporary staged contexts through both artistic practice and teaching.…

Available to hire

I am a composer and researcher specialising in contemporary Iranian musical theatre through practice-led approaches. My work uses Iranian modal systems (dastgāh/āvāz) and Iranian vocal aesthetics as compositional engines for dramatic structure, foregrounding voice, modality, and embodied performance.

I also investigate questions of transmission, vocal technique, and the relationship between music and dramaturgy—reactivating Iranian performance traditions in contemporary staged contexts through both artistic practice and teaching.

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Language

Persian
Fluent
English
Advanced
German
Beginner

Work Experience

Composer at Farānak (2026) – London, UK
January 1, 2026 - Present
Recent musical-theatrical work based on the figure of Farānak from the Shahnameh, exploring narrative structures in performance and using Iranian modal and vocal aesthetics within dramatic form.
Composer at Guildhall School of Music & Drama (Milton Court Theatre)
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
A 30-minute staged musical-theatrical work for chamber ensemble and five singers exploring the application of Iranian modal systems within a dramatic and performative framework.
Composer at The Oratorical Rehearsal (2025)
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Experimental solo vocal work (baritone) investigating tempered Iranian modal systems, notation, and vocal delivery.
Composer at The Quarrel (2025)
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Chamber vocal work based entirely on Iranian modal systems. Explores phonetic vocalisation and the transmission of Iranian vocal aesthetics beyond language.
Composer at Alexander and the Tree (2025) – Guildhall School of Music & Drama
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
A 30-minute staged musical-theatrical work for chamber ensemble and five singers. Explores the application of Iranian modal systems inside a dramatic and performative framework (Milton Court Theatre, London).
Music Theory Teacher at Honaramooz
January 1, 2020 - Present
Taught harmony, counterpoint, orchestration, and composition. Developed teaching approaches that connect music theory to compositional practice and supported students across different levels and musical backgrounds.
Composer & Music Practitioner (Freelance) at Tehran & London
January 1, 2017 - Present
Composed music for theatre and interdisciplinary performance, producing and arranging vocal and instrumental settings. Collaborated with performers, librettists, and creative teams for staged productions, including work as co-composer for TV series and composer for multiple theatre projects. Also scored music for visual media to support narrative elements.

Education

BA Music Composition at Art university of Isfahan
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2023
MA Opera Making & Writing at Guildhall school of music & drama
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025
BA Music Composition at Art university of Isfahan
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2023
MA Opera Making & Writing at Guildhall school of music & drama
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025

Qualifications

Rheingold (طﻼی را ﯾﻦ) Persian translation of Wagner’s Das Rheingold with analytical chapters
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
MA Opera Making and Writing
September 1, 2024 - September 1, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services
    Alexander and the Tree (2025)

    Chamber musical theatre work
    Premiered at Guildhall School of Music & Drama (Milton Court Studio Theatre)
    Scored for 10-piece ensemble and five singers
    Incorporates Iranian modal systems and microtonality

    The Quarrel

    Experimental vocal theatre
    Two singers using non-lexical syllables
    Iranian modal writing with acoustic percussion