An internationally recognized composer, producer, and opera artist, Dr. Afarin Mansouri’s unique and dynamic style connects her Iranian roots with her Western aesthetic and training. Her approach to opera creates a unique cross-cultural experience for artists and audiences to connect with Eastern cultures, through language, poetry, storytelling, traditional instruments and more.
She is the recipient of many awards and accolades for her contributions to the Canadian music and operatic scene including the Canada 150 Medal and the Kathleen McMorrow Music Award. Throughout her career, Afarin has collaborated with many organizations and festivals across North America including: Toronto Symphony Orchestra, National Ballet of Canada, Tapestry Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Seattle Opera and Queen’s University to name only a few. Her orchestral prelude, Mithra – the goddess of love and justice, was commissioned and performed by Toronto Symphony Orchestra for their 100th-anniversary celebrations in 2022 and immediately became a symbol for the global Women, Life, Freedom Movement – representing the voice of all women across the Middle East.
Her passion for opera and serving the community has led Afarin to found Cultureland Opera Collective, an organization with a mission to produce operas with cross-cultural elements – providing a platform for emerging artists to develop their skills, collaborate with experts and showcase their artistic talents. In 2022, her operatic compositions were premiered at the Four Seasons Centre for the Arts as part of the Celebrating Asian Heritage Month with the Canadian Opera Company. As an advocate for social and artist equity, she has served as a member of the Canadian Opera Company’s DEI committee, the councilor of Canadian League of Composers, as well as the co-founder and past artistic director of Iranian-Canadian Composers of Toronto (ICOT).