Ariana Vafadari

Mezzo-soprano and Franco-Iranian composer based in Paris, Ariana Vafadari develops work at the intersection of Western classical music, Persian vocal traditions and a contemporary compositional language shaped by improvisation. Rooted in a dual cultural background, she initially trained in operatic singing and performed in opera and chamber music productions before gradually refocusing her practice on personal projects. Her repertoire mixes texts in Persian, French and English, songs inspired by Zoroastrian traditions, mystical poetry and original compositions, in an aesthetic where art music, modal jazz and world music meet. On stage, Ariana Vafadari alternates intimate formats and larger ensembles, from voice‑piano duo to groups that include Western instruments and timbres more oriented toward Middle Eastern music. Her regular collaborations with instrumentalists from the classical, jazz and traditional music spheres reinforce this dialogue between Persian heritage and contemporary language. Through her creations, Ariana Vafadari explores the links between voice, spirituality and intimate storytelling, building a sonic universe centered on the sung word, repetition and pared‑down harmonic atmospheres.