Could you please introduce yourself and let us know about your work?
Hello! I’m Sobhan Afsarian, a composer with a deep foundation in classical composition and an evolving focus on film scoring. I’ve completed a Master’s in Composition for Screen from the Royal College of Music in London and hold degrees in composition from institutions in Azerbaijan and Iran. Recently, I was honored to be one of the top 12 composers at the Vancouver International Film Festival 2024. My work includes scoring for films, concert pieces, and even podcast music, always aiming to blend technical skill with storytelling.
What has been your artistic journey so far, and where do you hope to go?
My journey began with formal classical training in Iran, leading to advanced studies in Baku and London. Over the years, I’ve scored for short films like Woman on the Beach and produced music for projects such as Herfeh: Honarmand’s podcast. Winning awards like 1st Prize at the World’s Best Musicians Competition and recognition at the Vienna Classical Music Academy has been both humbling and motivating. Moving forward, I hope to keep contributing to film and concert music on an international scale, collaborating with filmmakers to tell compelling stories through music.
What was the Composer Filmmaker Accelerator (CFA) experience like for you? What did it entail?
The CFA was an intensive and inspiring experience, where I had the chance to score four films and collaborate with remarkable professionals. The highlight was composing for Fadeaway, directed by Brendan Prost, which was deeply fulfilling thanks to Brendan’s trust and collaborative approach. We recorded at Vancouver’s Warehouse Studio with top engineers like Damon Tedesco and guidance from mentor Miriam Cutler, ending with our music performed live by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra — a unique experience for any composer.
What did you learn through CFA that you can bring into your future practice?
CFA reinforced the importance of adaptability and teamwork in film scoring. Working with esteemed professionals like Damon Tedesco and Michelle Sudduth taught me about the finer technical aspects of recording, and Miriam Cutler’s insights into crafting music that serves a director’s vision were invaluable. These lessons will be integral to my approach in future projects, helping me balance my artistic voice with the demands of storytelling.
What was most valuable about the program for you?
The program’s mentorship and the chance to record with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra were priceless. Learning directly from professionals and having the opportunity to see my compositions performed live helped me grow immensely. It underscored the significance of collaboration, which I find especially valuable in film scoring.
Why do you think it’s important for artists to have access to programs like the CFA?
Programs like CFA are crucial because they offer composers real-world experience in film scoring, from composition to recording, in a supportive environment. The access to experienced mentors, high-quality recording facilities, and live performances are opportunities that give artists a competitive edge and encourage growth in a unique way that academic programs alone may not provide.
Would you recommend the CFA to others? What advice would you give someone that might attend next year?
Absolutely. My advice would be to engage fully with every part of the process — each interaction and every detail matters. Embrace the opportunity to learn from everyone involved, from directors and producers to engineers and orchestrators. This openness will allow you to absorb invaluable knowledge and improve your craft.
Let us know where we can find you!
Follow me on Instagram @sobhan_afsarian for the latest updates on my music. I’m thrilled to announce the release of When the Winds Blow Through the Trees and Miniatures for Strings, two recent pieces that showcase my work in both film and concert music. Additionally, my piece A Woman on the Beach was honored as one of the top 50 pieces of music for film in the European Recording Orchestra Composition Competition 2024. Exciting projects are on the way, so stay tuned!