© Ina Aydogan
BIOGRAPHY:
Golnar Shahyar is an Iranian/Canadian vocalist, poet, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Vienna, whose music braids improvisation, storytelling, and activism. Treating the voice as both instrument and narrator, she writes for small and large ensembles—among them the Vision String Quartet, Beyond the Roots Large Ensemble—and appears as a soloist and composer with orchestras including the Tonkünstler-Orchester and the NDR Bigband. Her debut album Tear Drop (2022) earned a German Jazz Prize nomination (2023), cited by the jury for its “outstanding vocal qualities” and highest-level production. She also won second prize at the Austrian Jazz Prize 2025 in the Best Live Act category.
“What one rapturously calls a ‘transcendent moment’ … the thing that this voice can do to you.” — Popfest Wien
Shahyar settled in Vienna in 2008 to study voice and guitar at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw), arriving amid a generational shift that challenged old binaries—“serious” vs. “popular,” Europe vs. elsewhere. Whether with Choub, Gabbeh, the Golnar & Mahan Trio, or as GolNar, she dissolves genre borders, drawing equally from the traditions of Western Asia and North Africa and from contemporary Europe and the Americas. Her poetry—“Love Is,” “This Is Not My Voice,” and more—often seeds the music: lines become motifs, motifs open into improvisations, and voice, text, and movement converge to heighten empathy, vulnerability, power, and dignity.
“An artist, improviser, and storyteller whose mesmerizing voice connects all these dots.” — ZH Magazine
Alongside her artistic career, Shahyar is an active educator, advocate, and cultural activist working toward equity, diversity, inclusion, and fairness in the arts. Drawing on extensive experience as a freelance artist collaborating with institutions, grassroots initiatives, and international partners, she contributes to ongoing conversations about representation, access, and structural change in the cultural sector. She has conceptualized and led seminars, workshops, and podium discussions for the University of Applied Arts Vienna (Arts & Human Rights MA), Wiener Festwochen / Akademie Zweite Moderne (in cooperation with D-Arts Wien), and in collaborations with D-Arts Wien and the Musikverein—developing educational formats that encourage critical dialogue around systemic challenges and cultural equity.
Guided by the conviction that art and society are inseparable, she mentors emerging artists as a guest-lecturer and workshop-director through invited teaching at mdw (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna), the University Mozarteum Salzburg (Thomas Bernhard Institut), and the Sibelius Academy, and extends this practice to public forums—among other public activities—via curating, podium discussions, and keynote addresses (European Forum on Music — Equity in Music, 2024; 30th Klangspuren Festival opening; MA in Applied Human Rights graduation; European Forum Alpbach), additional invited roles, and school workshops such as Scenes of Peace.
She has served on the artistic team of Kultursommer Wien 2020 & 2021 and is the founder and artistic director of WE:Shape, an interdisciplinary lab dedicated to fostering trauma-aware, inclusive, and sustainable artistic and educational practices. Shahyar’s work embodies a holistic approach to art-making—integrating musical excellence, social engagement, poetry, and activism—and is driven by the belief that art becomes truly transformative when grounded in education, critical inquiry, and care for others.
“Golnar is a millennium voice … every single note she sings contains incredible magic.” — Mira Lu Kovacs
CREDITS:
Wiener Musikverein - Golden Hall (Soloist), Keith Lockhart - Boston Pops Orchestra (Soloist), World of Hans Zimmer (Soloist), ORF Radiosymphonie Orchestra (Soloist), Tonkünslter-Orchester (Soloist), NDR Bigband (Soloist), Trickster Orchestra (Soloist), Gabriel Yared, Wayne Marshal, Marmoucha Orchestra (Soloist), Vision String Quartet, Erkan Ogur, Alain Perez, Mathias Rüegg, Wolfgang Puschnig, Alegre Correa, Mahan Mirarab, Naissam Jalal, Yazz Ahmed, Pedro Eustache, Juan Garcias Herreros, Rusanda Panfili, Marie Spaemann, Mario Rom, Vinicius Ciccone Cajado, András Dés, Pavel Urkize, Cymin Samavatian, Martin Stegner, Natasha Mirkovic, Christof Dienz, Basma Jabr, Orwa Saleh, Eliane Correa, Lana Cencic, Hadar Noiberg, Haggai Cohen Milo, Luis Verra, Alegre Correa, Alex Simu, Manu Mayr, Mona Matbou Riahi, Sakina Teyna, Krzysztof Dobrek, Ariel Ramirez Barrera, Efe Türümtey, Rina Kaçinari, Oskar Antoli, etc.
FESTIVAL & VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:
Pierre Boulez Saal, Wiener Musikverein (Golden Hall), Berliner Philharnomie, Elbphilharmonie (Großer Saal), Philarmonie de Paris, Royal Festival Hall - Southband Centre (London), Deutsche Oper Berlin, Konzerthaus Wien, Théâtre du Châtelet (Paris), King s Place (London), Burgtheater Wien, Wiener Festwochen, Wien Modern, Wiener Festwochen Openning Concert, JazzFest Wien, Jazz & the City Salzburg, JazzFest Saalfelden, Morgenland Festival, Carinthischen Sommer Festival, Rudolfstadt Festival, Südtirol JazzFest, Novi Saad Jazz Festival, Tonlagen II, Felix Festival der Kölner Philharmonie, Művészetek Völgye Fesztivál, Female Voice of Iran Festival, Hollywood in Vienna, Hans Zimmer France & Saudi Arabia Tour (Solist), Burgtheater Wien, Volkstheater Wien, Gorki Theater Berlin, Porgy & Bess, Sunset Sunside Jazz Club, A-Trane...
PRESSE:
"The album „Tear Drop“ by Golnar Shahyar was nominated for the German Jazz Prize by the expert jury for two decisive reasons. On the one hand, it is the outstanding vocal qualities that the Iranian/Canadian vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Golnar Shahyar impressively brings to the fore. On the other hand, the album meets all the requirements of a music production of the highest quality. When a debut album is already so expressive, individual and diverse, it deserves the chance to be awarded the German Jazz Prize as one of three internationally nominated debut albums." German Jazz Awards 2023 Jury
"Golnar Shahyar s performance ... was what one rapturously calls a "transcendent moment" and then wonders what words shoot out of one s otherwise so rational mouth. After all, that s the thing about the transcendent. The thing that this voice can do to you." - Popfest Wien
"Golnar is a millennium voice. The only voice that ever moved me to tears when I saw her live. Every single note she sings contains incredible magic." - Mira Lu Kovacs
"Instant admirer of Golnar s many talents" - Colin Bass
"A courageous and powerful woman whose art overcomes boundaries in the truest way possible." SUSANNE GRADL (MDW – Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien)
"If you have read Carson Makers, Alice Manro, Flannery O Connor and - why not! - Virginia Woolf, then the Iranian diva Golnar Shahyar maybe your favorite new heroine." - Danas Newspaper
"An artist, improviser, and storyteller whose mesmerizing voice connects all these dots together." - ZH Magazine
"With a voice full of nuances and her hypnotic presence on stage, Golnar Shahyar has everything necessary for a great singer." - Ernst Perbin-Vogl
"When Golnar Shahyar sings, you can easily forget everything else around..." - Helmut Jasper (Radio Ö1)
"The hypnotic polyphonic weaves of Golnar Shahyar s voice and her guitar or piano playing takes place so naturally as a floating story about the diversity of life, crossing her fondling fingers over your mind and heart." - Danas Newspaper
"For the exceptional singer Golnar Shahyar, it seemed that her performance knows no vocal limitations. Along with traditional melodies of the middle eastern region, her vocals repeatedly acted through improvised lines as an additional instrument, adding to Wahba and Mirarab s terminology, a picturesque spectrum of emotions with a perfect measure of contemplative harmonies. It is amazing how flexible this singer develops on stage and how ubiquitous she is with her expressive frenzy, as well as her incredible grace and longing. Her vocal performance took over the focus of the concert, and the audience was stunned by her picturesque vocal brilliance." - rockline.si
INTERVIEWS & PORTRAITS:
2023 an.schläge - Das Feministische Magazin - Die Wut in die Welt (Portrait)
2023 Widerstand und Poesy - Augustin Interview
2023 "Tear Drop" Album Review by LAURA KRAJNC (Radio Student)
2022 The Guardian: ‘Woman, life, freedom!’
2022 “MUSIC IS FREEDOM FOR ME” – GOLNAR SHAHYAR In Interview with Sylvia Wendrock (Sprechgold)
2022 Musikalische Sprache - Augustin Interview
2021 Jazz’halo Interview - A Conversation With Golnar Shahyar
2021 چهرهها: گلنار شهیار (Video Portrait)
2021 Alumna im Fokus: Golnar Shahyar
2021 Van-Outernational Magazine
2020 OPEN LETTER FROM GOLNAR SHAHYAR TO THE MUSIC AND CULTURAL JOURNALISTS OF AUSTRIA (GERMAN)
2019 ZH Magazine
2018 گلنار شهیار: روایت زن و بدن و موسیقی جاز
2018 به زندگی من خوش آمدید - گلنار شهیار (Video Portrait)
Awards / Nominations / Grants:
2025 Austrian Jazz Preis (Best Live Act) 2nd Prize
2023 "Tear Drop" - German Jazz Awards 2023 Nomination - Debut Album of the Year (International)
2022 Arbeitsstipendium Komposition - Stadt Wien
2021 Österreichischer Musikfonds - GolNar
2021 Global Toronto 2021 Official Showcase Selection (Golnar & Mahan Trio)
2020 WOMEX 2020 Official Showcase Selection (Golnar & Mahan Trio)
2018 Kick Jazz 2018 Showcase - Official Selection (Golnar & Mahan Trio)
(2018/2019) Nominierung für NASOM – The New Austrian Sound of Music 2018/2019 (with Golnar & Mahan Trio)
2017 Österreichischer Musikfonds - Golnar & Mahan
(2016/2017) Nominierung für NASOM – The New Austrian Sound of Music 2016/2017 (with Sormeh)
2015 Austrian World Music Awards - Internationale Gesellschaft für Neue Musik – IGNM Österreich: Finalistin (mit Mahan Mirarab Band)
2014 Austrian World Music Awards - Internationale Gesellschaft für Neue Musik – IGNM Österreich: Finalistin (mit Sormeh)
2013 Österreichischer Musikfonds - Sormeh
(2014/2015) Nominierung für NASOM – The New Austrian Sound of Music 2014/2015 (with Choub)
OPERA // THEATER // PERFORMANCE // DANCE:
As performer and composer Golnar Shahyar also collaborated in various dance and theatre productions with Volkstheater Wien, Theaterkollektiv Hybrid, Winer Konzerthaus (Jeunesse), Vienna Art History Museum (Wenn Es Soweit Ist Productions), and Tanzlabor Labyrinth Productions and was invited as music/workshop director in festivals such as "Common Sound Festival" (Deutsche Oper Berlin) and "Female Voice of Iran Festival" (Zeitgenößische Oper Berlin) and "Morgenland Akademie".
***
2025 // Opera “RomaBaron”
A Production by Theatre Hybrid in cooperation with Johann Strauss 2025 Wien and Tanzquartier Wien
Position: Singer, Actress
2024 // “Songs of Radical Kindness”
Position: Composer, Script Writer, Performer
A Music theatre by Golnar Shahyar in cooperation with Outernational, Stadt Wien, Radialsystem Berlin
2023-24 // “Wohin” (Music Theater)
Position: Composer, Screenwriter, Performer
In cooperation with Musikverein Wien & Philharmonie Luxemburg
2022 // Negar
Position: Negar (Lead singer/actress)
An Opera production by DEUTSCHE OPER BERLIN & Opéra Orchestre national Montpellier
2020 //Ein Staatenloser - Einblicke In Die Festung Europa
Position: Composer, Vocalist, Performer
A production by Theaterkollektiv Hybrid in cooperation with WERKX - Petersplatz
2020 //"GANYMED IN POWER" (Performance Production)
Position: Singer, Performer, Composer
A production by "WENN ES SOWEIT IST" Productions in cooperation with KUNSTHISTORISCHES MUSEUM WIEN
2019 // "ROJAVA" (Theater Production)
Position: Composer, Actor, Musician
A theatre production by VOLKSTHEATER WIEN
2019 //"GANYMED IN LOVE" (Performance Production)
Position: Singer, Performer, Composer
A production by "WENN ES SO WEIT IST" productions in cooperation with KUNSTHISTORISCHES MUSEUM WIEN
2017 //"FREMDKÖRPER" (Dance Production)
Position: Composer, Performer, Singer, Guitarist
A production by Tanzlabor Labyrinth
2017 //"TRIOLINO" (Children’s Musical)
Position: Singer, Composer, Actor
A production by JEUNESSE in cooperation with WIENER KONZERTHAUS
2014 // "SEVEN CITIES OF LOVE" (Dance Production)
Position: Singer
A production by TANZLABOR LABYRINTH
2013 // "FALLING UP" (Dance Production)
Position: Singer
A production by TANZLABOR LABYRINTH
2010 //"CALL FOR FREEDOM" (Dance Production)
Position: Singer
A production by TANZLABOR LABYRINTH
CURATING & ACTIVISM:
Alongside her artistic career, Golnar Shahyar is an active educator, advocate, and cultural activist committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and fairness within the arts. Drawing on her extensive experience as a freelance artist collaborating with institutions, grassroots organizations, and international partners, she contributes to essential conversations around representation, access, and structural change in the cultural sector.
She has conceptualized and led seminars, workshops, and podium discussions for institutions such as the University of Applied Arts Vienna (Arts and Human Rights MA), Wiener Festwochen / Akademie Zweite Moderne, Brunnenpassage, European Forum Alpbach, in collaboration with D-Arts Wien, and at the Musikverein. Her work focuses on developing educational and dialogic formats that encourage critical reflection on systemic challenges, cultural equity, and the lived experiences of artists in today’s political climate.
Shahyar also serves as co-curator of Kultursommer Wien and is the founder and artistic director of WE:Shape, an interdisciplinary lab dedicated to creating sustainable, trauma-aware, and inclusive artistic and educational practices. WE:Shape operates at the intersection of psychology, trauma studies, performing arts, music, politics, and history, offering frameworks, training, and research that support safer, more dignified, and human-centered artistic environments.
Golnar Shahyar’s work embodies a holistic approach to art-making — integrating musical excellence, social engagement, poetry, and activism as inseparable dimensions of her practice. She is driven by the belief that art becomes a powerful tool for transformation when combined with education, critical inquiry, embodied awareness, and care for others.
Further activities:
2025 - WE:Shape
Position: Founder, Artistic & Creative Director
2025 - Current // Schalom und Salam – Szenen des Friedens - Verein für pädagogische und kulturelle Friedensarbeit
Position: Trainer
2025 // TUNED IDEENFESTIVAL ZUR ZUKUNFT DER KLASSIK
Position: Speaker & Performer
2025 // European Forum Alpbach // Art & Security: Rethinking Protection, Power & Expression
Postion: Speaker, Workshop Co-director
2025 - 2027 // D—Arts
Position: Activist Circle Spokesperson
2024 // Master’s Graduation - Master of Arts in Applied Human Rights
Position: Keynote Speaker
2024 // Ã...detect the unknown vol. 2 – Give space to art diversity - Concert and talk on the post-migrant music world
Position: Performer, Podium Guest
2024 // Ã...detect the unknown vol. 2 – Give space to art diversity - Concert and talk on the post-migrant music world
Position: Performer, Podium Guest
2024 // Akademie Zweite Moderne: Gipfeltreffen – Strategien der SichtbarkeitA Wiener Festwochen Event in cooperation with D-Arts
Position: Moderation
2024 // European Music Council // European Forum on Music 2024 - “Equity in Music”
Position: Keynote Speaker
2023: 30. Klangspuren Festivals opening ceremony
Position: Keynote Speaker
2023: "Music & Human Rights" Seminar @ The Vienna Master of Arts in Applied Human Rights, Angewandte Wien
Position: Concept, Curation, Moderation
2022: D/arts: Dissonant Counter Point - On the democratisation of music and musical practices // A podium discussion in Musikverein Wien
Position: Co-curator & Podium Guest
2022: "Wiener Stimmen" in Musikverein Wien" A performance project in cooperation between
Position: Concept co-development
2020 - 2021: Kultursommer Wien 2020 & 2021
Position: Artistic board member
2020: “Don t You World Me!” // Klangmanifeste
Position: Podium Guest, Performer
2020: Netzwerk Junge Ohren - Concepts of transtraditional musical practice
Position: Podium Guest
2019: Podiumsdiskussion "Würde – Freiheit – Gerechtigkeit"@ University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
Position: Podium Guest, Performer
2019: Gate of Tehran Festival
Position: Podium Guest, Performer
WORKSHOPS, TEACHINGS & FESTIVALS:
2024 - 2025 // Guest Senior Lecturer at Thomas Bernhard Institute
2024 & 2025 // Guest Lecturer at Sibelius Academy
2021 - 2023 // seminar "Voice, Body, Identity" at the ethnomusicology department of University for Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
2025 // Wellenklaenge, Composer Performer Music Lab
Position: Workshop Director for Singing, Songwriting & Ensemble
2023 // Morgenland Academy
Position: Workshop Director
2023 // Glatt & Verkehrt - Musikwerkstatt 2023
Position: Workshop Director
2022 // MORGENLAND AKADEMIE
Position: Workshop Director
2021 // "Wien Dreht Auf" Festival - Kultursommer 2020 - Vienna (A)
Position: Artistic Team (Curating Team)
Organised by Stadt Wien Marketing
2021 // Teaching vocals at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
2020 // "Wien Dreht Auf" Festival - Kultursommer 2020 - Vienna (A)
Position: Artistic Team (Curating Team)
Organised by Stadt Wien Marketing
2020 // "Musikwerkstatt Workshop" - KREMS (A) !!!Canceled due to Pandemic!!!
Position: Workshop Director
In cooperation with GLATT & VERKEHRT FESTIVAL
2020 //"Winterferien-Musiklabor" - BERLIN (GER)
Position: Workshop Director
In cooperation with DEUTSCHE OPER BERLIN
2019 //"Common Sound Festival" - BERLIN (GER)
Position: Workshop Director, Singer
A Production by DEUTSCHE OPER BERLIN
2018 // "Female Voice of Iran Festival" - BERLIN (GER)
Position: Coach & Musical Director
A production by ZEITGENÖSSISCHE OPER BERLIN
2017 //"Stimme, Sound & Vielfältigkeit”, LINZ (A)
Position: Workshop Director
In cooperation with CARNEVAL OF FEAR FESTIVAL
2016 // "Voice Workshop", TEHRAN (IR)
Position: Workshop Director
In cooperation with HATRA MUSIC SCHOOL
Monthly voice workshops // VIENNA (A)
Position: Creative Coach & Choirmaster
In cooperation with BRUNNENPASSAGE WIEN