Kian Ravaei

Kian Ravaei (b. 1999) writes music that evokes the fantastic and the quotidian, engages with dreams and politics, and leverages music's power over the emotions. Kian's works have been inspired by advertisements in early American periodicals, books of etiquette in polite society, Persian poetry, lunar cycles, and a thirteenth century cosmological treatise. His identity as a second-generation Iranian-American is reflected in his music, often embodying the spirit of both cultures.

Inspired by the story of his parents' flight from the Iranian Revolution, Kian depicted a tortuous migratory journey in Migration Variations for two pianos and two percussionists, which was performed at a reading session by the inimitable new music ensemble Yarn/Wire during their UCLA residency. Current commissions include an “endangered birdsong partita” for Sl(e)ight Ensemble and a new work for clarinet and piano for the Willinger Duo.

Kian attended the Curtis Institute of Music's Young Artist Summer Program on a full scholarship. Other programs include Montecito Music Festival, N.E.O. Voice Festival, and Sunset Chamberfest Young Composers' Workshop. Past composition instructors include Kay Rhie, David S. Lefkowitz, Noah Meites, and Juan Pablo Contreras.

He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree at UCLA, where he studies with Richard Danielpour.