ASHKAN LAYEGH

Bio

Ashkan Layegh is an Iranian composer/improviser/multi-instrumentalist and visual artist concerned with self-reflexive structures. His music has been performed by his own ensembles, including the Phemo Quartet, at such venues as Kings Place, Southbank Centre and Wigmore Hall as well as by the London Sinfonietta, the Amsterdam Sinfonietta, Riot Ensemble, Septura Brass, Chroma Ensemble, Temporal Harmonies Inc.

Ashkan has trained as a traditional Persian setar player and improviser since an early age—heavily influencing his syntactical-compositional mindset—and has appeared as Electric Guitarist and Alto Saxophonist on stage with his own ensembles. He also studied architecture for two years, which promoted his interest in a wide range of arts, including cinema, painting and sculpture. He is currently studying for a Doctorate degree in composition at the Royal Academy of Music, where he gained his Master’s degree as composer (DipRAM) and Bachelor’s degree as a pianist (1st Class Honours)—the first Iranian to do so since the 1979 Revolution.

Selected Works (tap a title to open or play)