Partita
for solo Violoncello

I. Lobelia
II. Hop
III. Cicada
IV. Hoop
V. Marionette

Composed for:
Juan Aguilera Cerezo

Premiered on 
January 25, 2023, Espacio Turina, Seville, Spain

Partita (2022-23)

Partita
for solo Violoncello

Composed for:
Juan Aguilera Cerezo

Premiered on 
January 25, 2023, Espacio Turina, Seville, Spain

I. Lobelia

V. Marionette

IV. Hoop

III. Cicada

II. Hop

Please feel free to contact me via email: 
behzadi.ashkan@gmail.com
https://takensemble.bandcamp.com/album/love-crystal-and-stone-2
Ashkan Behzadi (b. 1983) is an Iranian-Canadian composer residing in New York City. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in composition at Columbia University. Prior to this, he earned his bachelor's degree in composition and music theory from McGill University, and he holds a bachelor's degree in architecture from Tehran University.

The dialectical relationship between modernist lyric poetry and contemporary music constitutes the foundation of Ashkan's aesthetic exploration in recent composition projects. His works demonstrate a meticulous attention to detail, often incorporating musical allusions to create a miniaturist and gently lyrical landscape. Ashkan's musical endeavors aspire to evoke the collective memory of folklore lyrical singing or group dancing, avoiding the pitfalls of folklorist aesthetics.

Ashkan has collaborated with various ensembles, including TAK Ensemble, Ensemble Recherche, Oerknal Ensemble, JACK Quartet, Divertimento Ensemble, Ensemble Alternance, Ensemble UnitedBerlin, Ekmeles Ensemble, Yarn/Wire, Ekmeles, and Wet Ink Ensemble. His contributions to the field have garnered recognition through awards, artist residencies, and participation in prestigious festivals. Notable accolades include the Koussevitzky Composition Award, Fromm Foundation Award, MacDowell Fellowship, Civitella Ranieri Residency, Dialoge Festival at Stiftung Mozarteum Salzburg, Rondo 2017 in Milan, and Manifeste Festival at IRCAM.

Ashkan Behzadi holds a position as a composition faculty at the Manhattan School of Music and teaches as Lecturer at Columbia University.