10 Questions with Ehsan Matoori
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Esfahan, known for its Persian architecture. In the huge Naqsh-e Jahan Square is the 17th-century Imam (Shah) Mosque, whose dome and minarets are covered with mosaic tiles and calligraphy. Ali Qapu Palace, built for Shah Abbas and completed in the late 16th century, has a music room and a verandah overlooking the square’s fountains. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is known for its intricate tiling.
What made you realize that music was your path?
I realized that music would be my path around 8, once I had played all the sports and my mind only thought about music. I felt myself on the stage with the other musicians playing music.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I started composing when I moved to the US. All my work was for the one who I missed in Iran, and because of the travel ban and the difficulty of getting visa for her we have been in a long-distance relationship for almost 5 years. All my music was the story of our relationship.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
İbrahim Tatlıses, Umm Kulthum, Farid Al Atrash, Parviz Meshkatian, Ravi Shankar, and Philip Glass.
What makes your music unique?
I would guess that it’s my melodies and my performing style.
Has there been one particular moment in your musical career that you're most proud of?
July 20th, 2019 on the stage with Mike Block, and working with Iranian pioneer singer Alireza Ghorbani on a recent project.
What made you want to write?
Once I wanted to share my emotion and feeling with my missing piece in Iran, I decided to write and arrange my music for her.
What is your favorite thing about the work you wrote for Sybarite5?
I guess the recent music that I wrote, Naqsh-e Jahan, is one of my favorite pieces that I saw myself playing with them on the stage, and this melody came to my mind. They are amazing and it's a great chance for any composer to write music for them.
Where did you get the idea for this piece?
From my home-town Isfahan, and the most beautiful place in the earth called, "Naqsh-e Jahan”.
What’s the next thing for you?
The Voices and Bridges, The purpose of this project is to introduce the universal feeling of music, this is intended by blending the language and arts of different world cultures.