Sahba Motallebi is an Iranian songwriter, Tar, Setar and Shoorangiz virtuoso and an internationally acclaimed musician. She has studied music and composition at distinguished institutions such as the National Conservatory (Iran), Saint Petersburg Korsakov Conservatory (Russia), RGS University (Turkey), and California Institute of Arts (USA). Sahba has been recognized as the best Tar player at the Iranian Music Festival (FAJR) for four consecutive years. Her performances as a soloist and in collaboration with renowned vocalists such as Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Alireza Ghorbani, Sina Sarlak, Mamak Khadem and esteemed composers such as Hossein Alizadeh, Arshad Tahmasebi, Keyhan Kalhour, and Yo-Yo Ma have touched audiences around the globe. Author of two educational etudes for Tar and Setar, Sahba has served as music instructor at the Pasadena State College (CA), Lawrence University (WI), and Berkley College of Music (MA). Iran-born and Southern Californian based Tar and Setar virtuoso Sahba Motallebi has an incredible relationship with major Western and Central Asian artists. Performing with artists from all over the Persian Diaspora, she exhibits her profound grasp of classical and contemporary Iranian music by masterfully weaving classical Persian styling, folk and world fusion. To date, Sahba has been an ambassador of Persian music in the United States and abroad and has captivated audiences in prestigious venues such as the Hollywood Bowl (2006), and the Grand Performance (2015). Integrated amongst the aforementioned accomplishments are numerous recorded works encompassing: Presentation of Young Artists (2003), Dashti-Nava (2005), Solace of the eyes, (2006), ever lasting songs of Iran Vol. I & II (2001) , Ancient Heritage anew (2011), Dream and Illusion (2012), and A Tear at the Crossroad of Time (2014). Recognized as the best Tar player among all ages at the Iranian Music Festival (FAJR) for Four consecutive years (1993-1996).
 
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KoriSoron is an instrumental acoustic trio that combines rock, improvisational and progressive influences with musical traditions from such places as Turkey, Lebanon, Iran, Bulgaria, India, Mali and Ireland. Fans of groups like Shakti or Al DiMeola will find much to like in KoriSoron’s fiery fusion.
 
The members are all seasoned players, (guitarists Scott Collins (Berklee graduate and featured performer on the God of War 2 video game and “Come Alive” from the Trials Evolution video game), Farzad Golpayegani (guitarist and composer for the Quest of Persia: Nader’s Blade and Garshasp video games) and percussionist Dean Mirabito bring international touring and recording experience to the project) but KoriSoron has created their sound in a very short period of time. Since forming as a trio in January of 2015, they’ve been building a regional audience in upstate New York and Boston, recorded an EP “A / Live” and are currently in pre-production for their next release.
 
The group’s name, “KoriSoron”, is a play on two music terms found in Persian music. Combining “Sori” ( the term for a pitch that is a 1/4 step above a given pitch) and “Koron” (indicating a pitch that is a 1/4 step below a pitch) creates an unaltered note or an equilibrium. KoriSoron‘s performances are noted for creating musical equilibriums: between near Eastern and Western music, between improvised and composed music and between passion and intense instrumental technique.
 
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