Image by Sam White
Darius Paymai is an Iranian-American composer and performer based in London. His work is characterised by a clarity of approach and economy of material: often fragile, static, cyclical, found and reused in new contexts.
He is undertaking an Artist Master’s at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, learning with Laurence Crane, where he also studied at an undergraduate level with Paul Newland and Paul Whitmarsh.
As a composer he has worked with ensembles such as the London Chamber Orchestra, Plus-Minus Ensemble, Britten Sinfonia, EXAUDI, Quatuor Bozzini, and cellist Francesco Dillon, and his music performed at St. John’s Smith Square, The Place, Milton Court Concert Hall, and Hundred Years Gallery.
As a performer he is interested in approaching experimental repertoire, drone, and free improvisation, often with harmonium, percussion, or live electronics, as well as making and presenting independent radio shows.
His studies have been supported by the Guildhall School Trust.
He enjoys two-word piece titles and crossword puzzles.
link to recent interview
- arch and bend 2020
- 1(alto).1(cor).1.1/1.1.1.0/perc(bd.vib)/pf/1.1.1.1.1, live electronic processing
The ensemble is recorded in the first half. The recording is played back and retuned in the second.
I would be very happy to revisit this work – to revise and tailor to a medium-to-large chamber ensemble of any lineup. Please get in touch if interested.
Workshop
25-11-2020: Guildhall School Musicians cond. Jack Sheen, Milton Court Concert Hall (UK)