News

Mar 23, 2025

Sepehr's work, will the mountains sing for me was premiered by the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Stilian Kirov. The concert was reviewed by Tim Sawyier. The review describes Sepehr Pirasteh's world premiere, will the mountains sing for me, as a "haunting, reflective statement" that effectively blends Iranian folk traditions with modern classical music, reflecting his multinational and immigrant experience. The piece, a 15-minute meditation on memory and exile, uses a melody from his father's song and explores how early memories are transformed by later experiences. The review highlights the work's solemn and agitated sections, noting the use of an ostinato and implied folk strains reminiscent of Bartók's style. It praises the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra's performance and Pirasteh's "burgeoning talent's singular voice."

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Sepehr joins the 2025 faculty composers alongside Melissa Dunphy and Cerulean Payne-Passmore, the Bergamot Quartet, and several guest composers and artists.

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Oct 30, 2024

Sepehr was selected as one of the semifinalists for Beth Morrison Projects NEXTGEN 3.

During the weekend of Nov. 23 and 24, 2024, the semifinalists will see their pieces performed at National Sawdust in New York City. The performances will be preceded by a two-hour rehearsal for each piece between Nov. 15-20 with tech and dress rehearsal set for Nov. 21 – 23.

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Sep 15, 2024

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra recently announced its 2024/25 concert season.

On March 22, 2025, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Mozart, Schubert, and a World Premiere by Sepehr Pirasteh with IPO Principal Clarinetist Trevor O'Riordan as soloist.

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January 6, 2024

Sepehr's piece, Before Dawn was selected for ACO Earshot Reading with Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.

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Sepehr's Before Dawn was selected as one of the four compositions for the Dream American reading workshops with the Pacific Chamber Orchestra.

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