Meet the Team
Mehrdad Baran
Born in Tehran, Mehrdad Baran started playing the Cello at an early age at the conservatory superior of Tehran under Micheal Khodsief. He consequently joined the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, as the youngest player in the Orchestra.
He went on to continue his musical studies in the USA, and successfully obtained his bachelor of music in Cello from the University of Missouri, as well as winning the Grand Prize of the MMTA contest in Cello. He also obtained his master of music in Cello and conducting from the Catholic University in Washington DC, and a Master of music in Cello under Janosh Starker from Indiana University, where he also studied composition under Juan Orrego–Salas.
Mehrdad Baran then moved to France in 1985, where he obtained the "Prix d'Exellence and prix de Virtuosité" in 1986 - 87 from the Conservatoire Rueil-Malmaison. At the same time he attend Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris in conducting with a full scholarship. Mr. Baran was a finalist in the conducting competition of the European Mater Players in Lugano, Switzerland.
During this period, he performed in many orchestras , ensembles and festivals as a cellist and conductor, such as Orchestre de Paris, Orchestre de l'iIle de France, Volksoper Vienna, Banlieue Bleue. He was also a cello professor and choir conductor in 3 conservatoires in Paris from 1987–2013.
Parisa Zomorodnia
Parisa developed a passion for music at a young age, receiving extensive training in piano and music theory in Iran. After moving to the UK, she achieved Grade 8 in piano and continued to expand her musical expertise in performance and voice, studying with Nicola Eimer and Aaron Nice.
Her talent was recognised early, allowing her to perform at prestigious events and shows, including the Fajr Music Festival, BBC Persian MAX, and the Edinburgh Festival. Since then, Parisa has focused on teaching and training, sharing her wealth of experience with others.
Parisa now brings her rich experience to our choir, guiding students through a seamless introduction to music theory and voice training, while nurturing their growth and confidence in music.
Laurence Williams
An internationally acclaimed bass-baritone soloist and choral conductor, Laurence has captivated audiences with his lyrical tone and engaging communication of narrative.
Laurence trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating with distinction and a Concert Recital Diploma in 2017. His recent performance highlights include Bach’s Mass in B Minor with the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra, a live broadcast of Bach’s St Matthew Passion with Stephen Layton and the Auckland Philharmonia, and the role of Adonis in Blow’s Venus and Adonis for Hampstead Garden Opera.
Mahtab Ghamsari
With roots in both Iran and Canada, Mahtab is currently completing her Master of Music in Vocal Studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. Her journey in classical music began in childhood through choral singing, eventually leading her to opera in 2018. Since then, she has performed a range of operatic roles, including Valencienne in The Merry Widow, Miss Jessel in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw, Voice of Heaven in Verdi’s Don Carlo, and Zerlina in Don Giovanni.
In addition to her vocal artistry, Mahtab brings a unique perspective through her background in music technology, where she has explored the intersection of live performance and digital innovation. Her creative work extends beyond traditional music settings, blending technology and the arts to enhance performance and engagement.
Mehrdad Farid
Mehrdad Farid is an accomplished conductor and composer whose work bridges classical performance, orchestral arrangement, and contemporary music. He gained wide recognition with the Collaborative Orchestra, which he founded and led to the semifinals of Britain’s Got Talent. For this project, he not only conducted but also arranged, orchestrated, and developed the musical storytelling that brought the ensemble to life on stage.
Farid has collaborated with various TV channels such as the BBC on both television and orchestral projects, creating original compositions, arrangements, and recordings that highlight his ability to merge traditional symphonic writing with modern influences. His orchestral work has included performances of major classical repertoire as well as newly commissioned arrangements performed by the British Police Orchestra in concert hall such as the great Birmingham Symphony Hall.
As a conductor, Farid has led a wide range of ensembles, from intimate chamber groups to full symphony orchestras. With the Collaborative Orchestra, he curated an International Concert Series that celebrated different cultural traditions, bringing diverse audiences together through music. His conducting highlights also include recording projects and live performances with international soloists such as Lily Afshar.
Beyond the stage, Farid is deeply committed to education. He teaches composition, orchestration, theory, counterpoint, and related disciplines, helping the next generation of musicians develop their craft. He has also contributed to the field of music scholarship by translating and publishing the book Inside Conducting by Christopher Seamen into Persian, making professional insights into orchestral leadership more widely available.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Mehrdad Farid continues to build a career defined by versatility, creativity, and a passion for connecting people through music.
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Vaida Farid
Violinist and Educator
Vaida Farid began her violin studies at age six at Kaunas Naujalis Music Gymnasium, one of Lithuania’s leading specialist music schools. She later graduated from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, developing a career as both performer and teacher. Early in her career, she discovered a strong interest in teaching young students, which remains central to her professional work. Vaida has performed internationally in Italy, Lithuania, India, Kuwait, and the UK with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and string quartets, and has participated in masterclasses with distinguished pedagogues such as Petru Munteanu and Galina Turcaninova, the latter renowned as Maxim Vengerov’s teacher.
Since relocating to London in 2014, Vaida has established herself as both an active performer and a dedicated educator. Alongside her chamber music projects, she works at Southbank International School, the Tower Hamlets Music Education Service, and runs a thriving private violin studio. She also works as a cover tutor at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance Junior Department and is regularly invited to teach at international workshops in Lithuania, Belgium, and the UK, where she shares her expertise with young string players.
Vaida recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) specialising in instrumental group teaching. She has a particular interest in the relationship between music and the nervous system, exploring how instrumental learning supports concentration, emotional regulation, and well-being. This integration of performance and pedagogical research informs her inclusive approach, supporting both musical progression and personal development in her students.