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Tara Kamangar is a renowned classical music composer and pianist who has made a significant impact on the world of music. Born in 1983 in California, Kamangar grew up in a family of musicians. Her father, a violinist, and her mother, a pianist, were both passionate about music and encouraged their daughter to pursue her musical interests from a young age. Kamangar began playing the piano at the age of three and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She began taking formal lessons at the age of five and continued to study music throughout her childhood and teenage years. She attended the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where she studied with renowned pianist John Perry. After completing her studies at the Colburn School, Kamangar went on to attend the Juilliard School in New York City. There, she studied with pianist Jerome Lowenthal and composer Samuel Adler. She also had the opportunity to work with other notable musicians, including violinist Itzhak Perlman and conductor James Levine. Kamangar's early compositions were heavily influenced by her Persian heritage. She was particularly drawn to the music of Iranian composer Mohammad Reza Shajarian, whose work she described as "a fusion of Persian classical music and poetry." Kamangar's own compositions often incorporate elements of Persian music, including traditional melodies and rhythms. One of Kamangar's most notable early works is her piano concerto, "The Persian," which she composed in 2006. The piece was inspired by the poetry of Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, and features elements of Persian classical music. The concerto was premiered by the Santa Barbara Symphony in 2007, with Kamangar as the soloist. In addition to her work as a composer, Kamangar is also an accomplished pianist. She has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic. She has also given recitals at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Kamangar's compositions have been praised for their originality and emotional depth. Her music often explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and spirituality. She has been described as a "poet of the piano," with a unique ability to convey complex emotions through her music. One of Kamangar's most recent works is her piano trio, "The Blue Symphony," which she composed in 2018. The piece was inspired by the Persian concept of "hafez," which refers to the idea of finding beauty in the world around us. The trio was premiered by Kamangar and her colleagues, violinist Elmira Darvarova and cellist Wendy Sutter, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. Kamangar's music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2010, she was named a United States Artists Fellow, one of the highest honors in the arts. She has also received grants from the American Composers Forum and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music. In addition to her work as a composer and pianist, Kamangar is also a dedicated educator. She has taught at the Colburn School and the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has given masterclasses and workshops around the world. She is passionate about sharing her love of music with the next generation of musicians. Overall, Tara Kamangar is a talented and innovative composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music.

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