Hafez Taghavi

Hafez Taghavi is a professional violinist and teacher in Connecticut and New York. Originally from the greater Washington D.C. area, Hafez received his early violin training from Martha Shackford. Later, he studied in the prestigious studios of Ronda Cole and David Strom. Before entering college, Hafez started a widespread performing career which included concerts at the Kennedy Center, Strathmore Hall, Constitution Hall, as well as a three city tour in Bolivia. He attended Western Connecticut State University and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance. While studying under Eric Lewis at WCSU, Hafez maintained the concertmaster position of both the Symphony Orchestra and Opera Ensemble for four years. Hafez then completed his Master of Music degree at the conservatory at Purchase College, studying with Calvin Wiersma. While pursuing both of his music degrees, Hafez received extensive chamber music coaching from the Manhattan String Quartet. Through this relationship, he was invited to play at workshops and conferences in New York City, Colgate University, as well as internationally in Vienna, Budapest, Salzburg, Leipzig, Bonn, and Bologna. Outside of chamber music, Hafez has performed with the Ives Festival Symphony orchestra, where he has sat as Principal 2nd and Associate Concertmaster. As a soloist, Hafez has performed concerti at Yale University with the Civic Orchestra of New Haven, the Western Connecticut State University Symphony Orchestra, as well as other local ensembles. After his performance with the WCSU Orchestra, the Danbury News Times described him as a “…promising, talented soloist.” He also has been featured in recitals throughout the United States, Europe, and South America. In addition to classical music, Hafez actively plays in a wide variety of other genres. This includes performances with the band Lez Zeppelin, country recording artist Ashton Shepherd, Moroccan folk singer Saida Fikri, and a live performance on Connecticut’s i95 rock station. He can also be heard on the soundtrack to the documentary, Enquiring Minds, and a trailer for the critically acclaimed computer game, World of Warcraft.

Hafez is currently an adjunct professor of violin and chamber music at Western Connecticut State University and is the Director of Orchestra and Chamber Music at the Canterbury School. He serves as an artist faculty member at the Interharmony International Music Festival in Italy, and also maintains his own private studio in Danbury, CT. Hafez is a member of the Lotus Chamber Music Collective, the Deming Quartet, and also participates in many non-profit functions, most notably, as a board member for the Families United in Newtown organization.

Hafez plays on a contemporary Italian violin by Laura Vigato and an antique French bow by Eugene Sartory.

Outside of music, Hafez enjoys soccer and all food.