Ashkan Layegh is an Iranian composer, improviser, multi-instrumentalist and visual artist whose work explores self-reflexive structures and cross-disciplinary ideas. Born in Tehran, Iran in 1997, he trained in traditional Persian setar from an early age and later studied architecture at the University of Tehran in 2016.
His music has been performed by ensembles including the Amsterdam Sinfonietta, Riot Ensemble, Septura Brass, Chroma Ensemble and his own Phemo Quartet, at venues such as Kings Place, Southbank Centre and Wigmore Hall.
A versatile performer on piano, electric guitar and saxophone, Ashkan has collaborated with artists including Nik Bärtsch and appeared in projects such as The Internava Project. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in composition at the Royal Academy of Music, where he previously gained his Masters (DipRAM) and Bachelor’s degrees (First Class Honours) – the first Iranian to do so since the 1979 Revolution.