Hafez Nazeri

Hafez Nazeri is Iran's most influential and admired new composer. The son of legendary musician Shahram Nazeri, Hafez began voice lessons at the age of three, and went on to place first in many voice competitions. At seven, he began focusing his studies on tanbour and setar which he had been playing since he was three. He then became intrigued by the daf, a percussion instrument he taught himself to play. In the process, he created a unique technique that is now emulated by many of Iran's young daf players.

At the age of 20, in a search for new artistic ground, Hafez came to New York to study western classical music. In 2005, he received a Diploma in Composition and Conducting from the Mannes College of Music.
Broadcast interviews include a 9-minute on CNN's Live From with Kyra Phillips (3/29/06), BBC World Service's program, The Ticket with Mark Coles (4/26/06), a live appearance on the Fox Channel (3/10/06), and an exclusive on ABC NEWS.

The United Nations Association also recognized Hafez's contributions and his innovation in undertaking the "In the Path of Rumi" tour. February 25, 2006 was named "HAFEZ NAZERI DAY" in San Diego County by the Mayor and the Chairman of San Diego's Board of Supervisors. Soon after, he received a recognition award from The Congress of the United States and was invited to lecture at Emory University, and Harvard University, where he was recognized for his pioneering efforts and innovation in Persian music.