First Iranian Woman Soloist Performs with Major Symphony Orchestra in California

Jameh Garmi, an acclaimed Iranian violinist, took the stage as a soloist with the Pacific Symphony during its Nowruz concert in California.

The performance was led by renowned conductor Carl St. Clair and marked a significant moment for Iranian representation in classical music.

St. Clair, who has previously worked with artists such as Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, Philippe Quint, and Kayhan Kalhor, conducted a program featuring works inspired by Iranian music.

The concert also included a collaboration with the Shams Ensemble and drew a crowd of more than 3,000 attendees.

During the event, Jameh Garmi performed a piece titled “The Tale of the Iranian Girl,” which she composed and arranged for violin and symphony orchestra, based on a melody by Iranian composer Tahmoures Pournazeri.

This marked the first time an Iranian woman served both as composer and soloist with a major international orchestra.

“It was an honor for me as an Iranian and a violinist to have this global experience,” said Jameh Garmi.

“The fact that Pacific Symphony and a conductor like Carl St. Clair performed a piece I had written was an exciting and indescribable experience.”

Previously, Jameh Garmi has performed as concertmaster and soloist with ensembles such as the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, the Iranian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Iran National Orchestra.

She is also the founder of the Shahrzad Quartet, which has performed in Iran and at international festivals, and has collaborated with prominent composers including Shahrdad Rohani, Mohammad Saeed Sharifian, Tahmoures Pournazeri, Hooshyar Khayam, Kiawash Saheb Nasagh, and Karen Keyhani.

She is an official artist with the global music company Yamaha.