Bijan Mortazavi

Bijan Mortazavi is a distinguished professional and a legendary Iranian born musician, composer and singer, who wrote and composed such memorable music as: Fire on Ice, Sweet Scent of Love, Voice of Silence, One Drop Ocean, What is love, Music and I, Ronak, Calm Before Storm, Dance Of Fire and many more. Bijan is a major figure in the Iranian/ Persian music industry who has composed for some of the most powerful and intellectual Iranian audience.

Bijan Mortazavi started playing the violin at the young age of three. In Tehran, Iran, he was trained by five of the most respected and well–known violinists; learning specific techniques, such as improvisation, orchestration, arrangement, and the quarter tone modes. At the age of seven, this talented child continued his training with the piano, guitar, percussion, and traditional string instruments, such as the oud, tar, and santour. At age 11, Bijan won the first prize among students of all ages in a national contest. He was fourteen when he assembled a 32 piece orchestra, performing his own compositions and arrangements at the famous Ramsar Summer Camp in northern Iran.

After having graduated from high school, Bijan moved to the United Kingdom. There, he pursued his academic interests in the field of Civil Engineering while continuing with his performances and his violin training. In 1979, Bijan moved to the United States, continued his education at Texas State University, and finally settled in California in 1985. He released his first album, which was a best seller in 1990.

The national and international tour beginning in 1990 brought Bijan to sold-out audiences throughout the world. On July 3, 1994 after 34 years of playing the violin, Bijan became the first Iranian performer to display his indisputable talent at the Greek Theatre which was sponsored by four major American companies such as Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and American Airline. One of the pieces played during this concert, entitled “Epic”, had been written by him when he was only eleven years old. On stage, Bijan shared with his audience his boyhood dream of one day performing this particular piece on a grand scale. Thus presenting his music to people from all around the world, his dream had come true.

Bijan also performed in other big venues around the world, among them such as Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the Gibson Amphitheater (aka Universal Amphitheater) in Universal City, California, the Kodak Theater in Hollywood and Highland Center, the Royal Albert Hall, Equinox and Le Palace in London, the Ford Center and Performing Arts Center in Toronto, Queen Elizabeth Auditorium in Vancouver, the Albert Hall in Copenhagen, the Nobel Concert Hall and Global Auditorium in Stockholm, and the Performing Arts Center and Civic Auditoriums in Australia's Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland in New Zealand.

What is unique about Bijan’s accomplishments is his immense success outside of Iran, where he is much admired amongst international music circles. Indeed, Bijan defines much of his work in the genre of light classical, and a bridge between the Eastern and Western musical traditions. Many of his songs have been performed in different languages in several countries. Setting Bijan apart from other performers is his ability to personally play all the instruments used in his arrangements. The quality and variety of sound he produces from the instruments he plays is remarkable. Today, after nearly a quarter of a century, Bijan Mortazavi remains as energetic and vibrant as ever and is universally recognized as one of Iran’s finest composers and violinists. Bijan Mortazavi has 12 international best-selling records, his latest being “Music and I” which was released on November 16, 2010.

His Greek Theater performance, which includes a 53-piece orchestra in front of a sold out crowd of 6,400 is available on DVD and is a true testament to his gift and love of music.

Bijan has also performed at charity events, most recently for the Child Foundation and other charity organizations. On November 25 of 2009, he received his Fellowship (PhD) from the Southampton Solent University in Great Britain. His task is the development of contemporary Middle Eastern music in an academic form in the United Kingdom and other western countries. Besides touring, Bijan is also doing Master classes in different countries around the world.