Karen Sabaghi: Composer and PhD Candidate in Music Composition
Karen Sabaghi, an Iranian-born composer and dedicated Ph.D. candidate in music composition at King’s College, is a true connoisseur of art and culture, nurtured by a family deeply appreciative of the arts. His musical journey began early, enchanted by the magic of the keyboard. As a teenager, he delved into singing classes, simultaneously immersing himself in the intricate world of the Setar, a Persian lute, under the guidance of celebrated masters, including Hossein Alizadeh and Dariush Talaei.
Formal education in music commenced when he successfully passed the entrance exam to the University of Art, Tehran. Here, he dazzled audiences as a solo Setar virtuoso and vocalist, showcasing profound musicality. Simultaneously, he honed his skills in piano, music theory, and essential aspects of composition, such as harmony and counterpoint, mentored by distinguished Iranian music scholars.
His unwavering dedication and exceptional talent led him to graduate with the highest honors and distinction from the University of Art, Tehran, with a master’s degree in composition. Karen’s master’s thesis, a collection of five compositions for voice and orchestra, garnered acclaim, earning over 90 percent in evaluation.
The pursuit of musical excellence propelled him to the picturesque city of Graz, Austria, where he embarked on a transformative five-year journey of musical exploration at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Graz. His time in Graz witnessed the performance of numerous contemporary compositions, showcasing his avant-garde genius. Among these, the vocal ensemble piece “Blutige Erinnerungen” stood out, earning the prestigious opportunity to be featured at the Musikprotokol Festival in Graz, performed by the ensemble Schola Heidelberg. Notably, this composition received an honorable mention in the Diaphonia Choir Music Competition.
In 2014, Karen Sabaghi moved to London, embarking on a new chapter of his musical voyage. Since 2019, he has been pursuing his Ph.D. in music composition at the prestigious King’s College. Throughout this period, many of his captivating compositions have graced the stage at King’s College London, beautifully performed by the acclaimed Lontano ensemble.
What sets Karen apart is his dynamic and diverse background in the realm of music. His extensive expertise spans orchestral music, electronic compositions, and the evocative world of film scores. These multifaceted influences, coupled with a deep-rooted connection to Persian music, culminate in a truly unique musical style that resonates through his compositions.
Beyond his creative endeavors, Karen Sabaghi has embraced the world of music education. Since September 2023, he has taken on the role of a teaching assistant in music composition at King’s College London, nurturing the talents of aspiring composers. Simultaneously, he imparts his knowledge and experience as a lecturer in Harmony at the University of Surrey, further enriching the musical journeys of budding artists.
Karen’s dedication, passion, and exceptional artistry shine through in every composition, setting him apart as a composer of remarkable talent and vision. His work is a testament to the harmonious fusion of diverse musical traditions, creating a sound that is uniquely his own.
He also produced three episodes of a documentary about the history of music in Iran, spanning from ancient Elamite culture (circa 3000 BCE) to 1977, based on extensive research and collaboration with scholars such as Richard Dumbrill, Theo Krispijn, and Touradj Daryaee, as well as Persian masters like Dariush Talaie.
Karen composed the music for this documentary, drawing inspiration from research on ancient Mesopotamian and Elamite music. This series is the first extensive cinematic documentary on Persian music.
