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.
