Ata Ghavidel (Ata Ghavidel Aghdam), born in 1988 in Ahvaz, Iran, began his musical journey as a guitarist in his childhood. He studied composition with the renowned Iranian composer Karen Keyhani. He graduated with distinction in composition from the University of Applied Science and the Conservatory of Tehran. He later continued his master’s studies at the University of Calgary under the supervision of Allan Gordon Bell and Dr. Laurie Radford.

 

Throughout his career, Ata has actively participated in numerous composition competitions and festivals, with his works performed internationally. He was selected in a composition competition by Dustin White for his solo flute piece “Ri Ra I” (USA) and was the winner of the Petrichor Records competition for “Ri Ra II”. He was also chosen as a composer for the reMusik Festival (Russia) with the solo piano piece “Play”. His solo bassoon piece “While Her Voice Withers” was selected at the 4th Tehran International Contemporary Music Festival.

 

Ata’s music has been performed by distinguished performers and ensembles around the world. He has collaborated and studied with prominent composers including Reza Vali, Ken Ueno, and Nader Mashayekhi, and has participated in masterclasses by Chaya Czernowin, Don Freund, Katharina Rosenberger, Alessandro Solbiati, and Jacob Rataj.

 

His recent collaborations include a rehearsal with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for the performance of the symphonic poem “Persepolis”, a collaboration with Land’s End Ensemble for the piece “Der Anfang”, and with Trio Sufliano for the piece “Rebellion”.

 

In addition to composition, Ata has worked across various artistic fields, including:

 

• Composing music for film and theater

• Releasing a guitar album titled “Life Story” (New Age style), published by Arghanoun Publishing in 2016

• Performing as a tenor singer with the Arasbaran Orchestra

• Composing solo, chamber, and orchestral works in both classical and contemporary classical styles

 

His work reflects a unique blend of Persian musical heritage and contemporary classical aesthetics, bridging cultural narratives through innovative sound.