Biography
Dr Mohammad Amin Keshmiri is an acclaimed Iranian-British conductor, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and researcher based in the United Kingdom. His musical journey began at the age of 4, mastering the violin despite facing significant challenges studying music in Iran. Demonstrating exceptional talent early on, Amin attended Isfahan Music High School, where he quickly rose to prominence, leading esteemed ensembles such as the Isfahan Symphony Orchestra under the baton of the renowned Majid Entezami, Isfahan National Orchestra, Pegah Symphony Orchestra, Payvar Ensemble, and the Isfahan Music School's Symphony Orchestra. His leadership extended across various chamber ensembles, cementing his reputation as a versatile and dynamic musician in his home country.
In 2009, Amin moved to the United Kingdom to further his education. He earned a BTEC National Diploma from Leeds Conservatoire in 2011, where he was honoured with The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Trust award. During this period, he refined his artistry under the mentorship of distinguished musicians such as Simon Fischer, Dr Mieko Kanno, and Dr Alastair Mitchell.
Conducting
Dr Keshmiri's conducting career flourished at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), where he studied with eminent conductors including Christian Kluxen, Garry Walker, David Danzmayr, and Sian Edwards. Recognising the need to promote Persian classical music, he founded the Arezoo Symphony Orchestra (ASO), an ensemble dedicated to introducing audiences to the rich heritage of Persian musical traditions through innovative programming and powerful performances.
Performance and Collaborations
As a violinist, Dr Keshmiri has showcased his skills with prominent orchestras and ensembles, including the Sale Chamber Orchestra, Palestine Youth Orchestra, and the Arezoo Symphony Orchestra. His collaborations extend to prestigious orchestras such as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble and the Nevis Ensemble. Notably, he performed at the Edinburgh Iranian Festival (2015-2017), where he shared the stage with the celebrated vocalist Darya Dadvar, leaving a lasting impact on audiences with his emotive performances.
Compositions and Film Scores
A prolific composer, Amin has contributed significant works to the orchestral repertoire, including his debut symphony and a Persian Piano Concerto. His talents extend to the world of film music, with his score for The Scribbler earning the Best Drama award at the Royal Television Society. His collaborations include working with legendary figures such as Shahram Nazeri and Pedro Eustache. In 2015, he received a BAFTA nomination for Best Original Music for a Motion Picture, further cementing his status as a versatile and accomplished composer.
Academic Achievements and Research
Dr Keshmiri holds a prestigious joint doctorate from the University of St Andrews and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. His groundbreaking research focused on performing Iranian microtonal music on Western instruments, particularly the violin, within orchestral settings. Guided by esteemed mentors—Professors Alistair MacDonald, Andrea Gajic, and David Watkin—his work bridges cultural and musical traditions, contributing to a deeper understanding of microtonal music's potential in contemporary performance.
Recognition and Legacy
In 2017, Dr Keshmiri was honoured with the World Peace Tartan, presented by Victor Spence, recognizing his contributions to music as a means of fostering cultural understanding and global harmony. His relentless dedication to artistic excellence, cross-cultural dialogue, and education continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike worldwide.