Arefeh Hekmatpanah

Arefeh Hekmatpanah (b. 1997, Esfahan, Iran) is a pianist, composer, performer, and poet based in The Hague, Netherlands. Her compositions often explore conceptual and philosophical themes, drawing on her rich cultural heritage. Deeply imaginative, Arefeh's artistry weaves together diverse disciplines such as dance, theater, and electronic music. She is dedicated to crafting intricate, multi-layered performances where sound and movement converge, creating immersive experiences that resonate on multiple sensory levels. In recent years, she has delved deeply into creating works with controlled Analog Feedback and is busy developing her feedback instrument.

Arefeh studied classical piano performance at the University of Tehran and then continued her education, majoring in composition for her Master's degree at the same university. After moving to the Netherlands, she received a BA and MA in composition from the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague. Arefeh has worked with ensembles and orchestras such as ONCEIM orchestra, Riot ensemble, Bl!ndman Collective, Residentie Orkest, and Calefax Reed Quintet. She has created works for various festivals and companies such as November Music Festival (2025), National Opera and Ballet's Opera Forward Festival (2025), NDT2 (2023), Wonderfeel Festival (2024), Tehran Contemporary Sounds Festival (2023, 2024), Experimental Film Society (2024), and Korzo Theater (2023, 2024).