Bahar Ossareh

About

Praised as Charming and Soulful

by Maestro David Russell

“An established player to be reckoned with.”

Classical Guitar Magazine

Bahar Ossareh, an Iranian-Canadian classical guitarist, is a captivating artist dedicated to sharing the enchanting world of guitar music with her audiences. Renowned for her warm sound, soulful performances, and innovative programs, she has become a prominent figure in the classical music scene.

Canadian guitarist and composer William Beauvais applauds her as “A player of tremendous expressive range, who enchants listeners.” Bahar’s repertoire spans the globe, featuring pieces from Canada, the US, Australia, Turkey, Spain, Greece, and Latin America. Notably, she is emerging as a passionate ambassador of Persian guitar music.

In 2016, Bahar made Canada her home and has since graced numerous stages as both a soloist and chamber musician. She has collaborated with esteemed organizations and orchestras such as the Guitar Society of Toronto, Classical Guitar Society of Calgary, Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra, Austin Classical Guitar, and more. As a performer and lecturer, Bahar has participated in international festivals, including the Miami International GuitART Festival, UofT New Music Festival, Hamilton Guitar Festival, and Kiwanis Festival.

One of Bahar’s recent projects is the captivating Little Heart, a children’s opera based on a Persian story, where she arranged and performed the guitar parts. Released in 2020 by the Canadian Music Centre/Centrediscs, the project was funded by the Toronto Council for the Arts.

Bahar Ossareh proudly holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Toronto, having undergone rigorous training under the esteemed guidance of Jeffrey McFadden and Jorge Caballero. Her academic journey is adorned with numerous achievements, highlighting her commitment to excellence.

Bahar’s dedication to her craft has not gone unnoticed, earning her prestigious awards and scholarships, including the distinguished Eaton Graduate Fellowship and Eli Kassner Graduate Fellowship. These accolades stand as a testament to her exceptional talent and scholarly contributions to the field of classical guitar. Prior to her doctoral studies, Bahar earned a Master of Music Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Art, Tehran, solidifying her foundation as an accomplished classical guitarist. In 2024, Bahar is set to unveil a highly anticipated album, featuring underrepresented Theme and Variations from around the world, including the premiere of her original composition. As an active artist and instructor with the tonebase team, Bahar continues to contribute to the world’s largest community of classical guitarists.