Dr. Bahar Ossareh

Bahar Ossareh, an Iranian-Canadian classical guitarist, is known for her warm tone, expressive artistry, and distinctive cross-cultural approach to music. Her performances span a wide range of styles and regions, from Persian and Middle Eastern sounds to European and Latin American traditions. She has appeared across Canada as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with prominent musical organizations and performing in major national and international festivals. Her work reflects both artistic sensitivity and intellectual depth, offering audiences programs that are as thoughtful as they are engaging. With over 15 years of teaching experience, including her time as an assistant teacher at the University of Toronto, Bahar is equally devoted to education. She has mentored students of various levels and backgrounds, emphasizing both technical mastery and artistic development in her approach. Her debut solo album, Variations (2025), explores the art of transformation in music through diverse styles and traditions, including her own original composition Navaee, Variations on a Persian Folksong. This project, supported by the Ontario Arts Council, presents an evocative journey through melody, structure, and emotion. Bahar holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Toronto and a Master of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Art in Tehran. Her academic excellence has been recognized through multiple graduate fellowships and awards. With her artistic versatility, teaching dedication, and commitment to cultural exchange, she continues to be an influential figure in the classical guitar community.