Asieh Mahyar
Passionate about innovation and diversity in programming and performance, Asieh Mahyar is a dynamic conductor dedicated to creating engaging and inclusive musical experiences. Originally from Iran, she has led orchestras, choirs, and full opera productions across diverse settings, championing new repertoire and fostering artistic collaborations that reflect a broad cultural spectrum.
Ms. Mahyar currently serves as the Interim Director of Orchestral Studies at Pacific Lutheran University and the Symphony Orchestra Conductor of the West Seattle Community Orchestras. Her past positions include Assistant Conductor at Tchaikovsky Music College in Yerevan, Armenia, and Teaching Assistant at Michigan State University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has collaborated with professional orchestras such as the Grand Rapids Symphony (MI), the Jackson Symphony (MI), the Northwest Mahler Festival (WA), and the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra (OH).
Her commitment to music education is evident through her engagements as a clinician and adjudicator with high school orchestras, festivals, and conferences, including the Washington Music Educators Association Conference (2024, WA), the Mount Pilchuck Music Educators Association (WA), the Chinook Music Educators Association (WA), and Valley Music Education Association (WA). Ms. Mahyar's extensive experience encompasses leading instrumental and vocal ensembles and directing full opera productions.
A DMA candidate in Orchestral Conducting at Michigan State University, Ms. Mahyar holds an MM in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a BM in Choral Conducting from the Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia. She has been selected for prestigious masterclasses and workshops, working alongside leading conductors such as Cristian Măcelaru and Octavio Más-Arocas at the Cabrillo Music Festival, Gerard Schwarz at the Eastern Music Festival, Richard Rosenberg at the National Music Festival, Miguel Harth-Bedoya at The Conducting Institute, Kenneth Kiesler at the Conductors Retreat at Medomak, and Johannes Schlaefli and James Lowe at the Spokane Conducting Workshop.