Portfolio highlights
Explore some of Omar's past projects and compositions
English National Opera commission
ENO commissioned "Blue Red Yellow…" by Omar Shahryar and Ruth Mariner.
This exciting digital project fusing opera, live film and animation will inspire primary school students across the UK to compose music as part of the "Finish This" project.
This exciting digital project fusing opera, live film and animation will inspire primary school students across the UK to compose music as part of the "Finish This" project.
Blue Red Yellow...
Why people work with me? In 15 years, I have created a reputation for using best artistic and educational practices developed by the world's leading opera houses.
I am known for my life's mission to bridge cultural divides, for my ability to share the fun of classical music and for my deep concern for all people.
I am known for my life's mission to bridge cultural divides, for my ability to share the fun of classical music and for my deep concern for all people.
Biography
Omar Shahryar is an award-winning composer, facilitator, researcher and peace-maker working for opera companies and arts festivals around the world. He is the composer of the digital mini-opera Finish This (English National Opera) and the opera for young adults with special needs, The Extraordinary Adventures of You and Me (English Touring Opera). His internationally acclaimed opera about young people's reactions to violent extremism, A Shoe Full of Stars, won the YAMAward Prize for Best Opera for Young People 2018.
Omar has led participatory music projects for some of the world's leading opera companies and concert halls, including the Royal Opera House, the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, Glyndebourne, the Barbican Centre, the Wigmore Hall and Streetwise Opera. He has led artist and teacher trainings for the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, the Royal Opera House of Oman, the Associazione Lirica e Concertistica Italiana and the Teatro Colón in Colombia.
Omar is the Artistic Director of Opera Schmopera, an opera company for young people, and a board member for Tête-à-tête Opera Company and the European Network of Opera, Music and Dance Education (RESEO). In 2020, Omar finished his PhD thesis in the Composition of Opera for Young People at the University of York, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
Omar has led participatory music projects for some of the world's leading opera companies and concert halls, including the Royal Opera House, the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, Glyndebourne, the Barbican Centre, the Wigmore Hall and Streetwise Opera. He has led artist and teacher trainings for the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, the Royal Opera House of Oman, the Associazione Lirica e Concertistica Italiana and the Teatro Colón in Colombia.
Omar is the Artistic Director of Opera Schmopera, an opera company for young people, and a board member for Tête-à-tête Opera Company and the European Network of Opera, Music and Dance Education (RESEO). In 2020, Omar finished his PhD thesis in the Composition of Opera for Young People at the University of York, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
The artistic mission
"...a place cannot come to life musically until the inhabitants perform their own music. Moreover, there can be no real understanding of music without creating it. Can one imagine teaching art without ever encouraging children to draw, paint and make sculptures?"
- Sir Peter Maxwell Davies
- Sir Peter Maxwell Davies
Award-winning Music
Inspirational Impact
Empowering Experiences
Commission new work
The creation of contemporary work is an expression of a vision.
What is yours?
What is yours?
Commission a work
Delight your audience with music they will want to hear, tailored perfectly to the needs of the performer. Set your brief and have your expectations exceeded.
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Develop a project
Create an outreach project in harmony with your strategic objectives. Engage new audiences and inspire existing ones with a participatory project.
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Hold a dialogue
Consult an expert in arts education strategy, or receive mentoring an initial project idea. Omar can provide valuable reflection on even the most challenging subject and is always open for conversation.
More >>
Delight your audience with music they will want to hear, tailored perfectly to the needs of the performer. Set your brief and have your expectations exceeded.
More >>
Develop a project
Create an outreach project in harmony with your strategic objectives. Engage new audiences and inspire existing ones with a participatory project.
More >>
Hold a dialogue
Consult an expert in arts education strategy, or receive mentoring an initial project idea. Omar can provide valuable reflection on even the most challenging subject and is always open for conversation.
More >>
Share your thoughts!
You might have a project idea or are curious about a creative collaboration. Whatever you're thinking, let's start a dialogue!
Use the contact form below
Use the contact form below
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Photo credits: Mark Bickerdike | Len Grant
Silvia Amoroso | Julian Guidera
All photo and video materials belong to their owners and are used for demonstration purposes only. Please do not use them in commercial projects.
Silvia Amoroso | Julian Guidera
All photo and video materials belong to their owners and are used for demonstration purposes only. Please do not use them in commercial projects.
