Before we learn to speak, we understand music — the rhythm of breath, the melody of feeling. It’s the first language we all share, beyond borders, culture, or the systems we build to define identity. As a composer and performer, I enter that space where names don’t matter, but stories do — a space where we can truly listen to each other.
In my work, East and West are not opposites but voices in the same conversation. I shape music from my own experiences and the sounds I’ve gathered from others — blending them into something honest and open. I create to connect, to reflect, and to remind us that even when we come from different worlds, we can still hear ourselves in one another.
Mehrpouya Daneshvar is an Iranian clarinetist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his distinct cross-cultural approach to performance and composition. Originally from Zanjan, Iran, Daneshvar draws on a rich musical background that began in early childhood. Raised in a family of musicians, he started learning tonbak (Iranian hand percussion) at age four and later studied kamancheh (Persian spike fiddle) under masters including Ardeshir Kamkar, Ehsan Zabihifar, and Mehdi Bagheri.
At 17, his musical direction shifted after performing with renowned Turkish clarinetist Hüsnü Şenlendirici in Izmir, which inspired him to pursue the clarinet seriously. He quickly developed a personal style that combines the melodic and modal systems of Iranian classical music (Radif) with the improvisational language of jazz, fusion, and world music. His unique approach has earned him performances at major festivals, including Expo 2020 in Dubai, the World Culture Festival on the National Mall in Washington D.C., and the Berklee International Folk Festival in Boston.
Mehrpouya currently resides in Boston, where he was awarded the prestigious Berklee College of Music World Tour Scholarship. He is pursuing a dual focus in Performance and Contemporary Writing & Production, expanding his practice into music production, film scoring, and music for media and advertising. His compositional work is rooted in storytelling and cultural connection, blending traditional Iranian elements with contemporary sound design.
He has collaborated with a wide range of artists and ensembles across the United States, including Christiane Karam, Giorgi Mikadze, Maliheh Moradi, Keita Ogawa, Peter Slavov, NY Gypsy All Stars. In 2023, he joined Matoori’s “Voices Unveiled” project, touring venues such as Kirkland Performance Center (Seattle), the San Diego Museum of Art, and The Oakes Center (Minneapolis).
Whether performing on stage or producing music behind the scenes, Daneshvar aims to bridge musical traditions and create meaningful dialogue between cultures. His work reflects a commitment to authenticity, innovation, and emotional resonance.