Biography

Parastoo Heidarinejad is an Iranian violinist renowned for her expertise in Baroque music. Her journey in the world of historical performance has seen her participate in notable early music festivals like the Oregon Bach Festival Berwick Academy, Amherst Early Music Baroque Academy Opera Project, and the Baroque Performance Institute at Oberlin, all on full scholarship.

Under the mentorship of esteemed musicians such as Marilyn McDonald, Cynthia Roberts, Jane Starkman, Marc Destrubé, Kati Kyme, William Skeen, John Butt, Julian Perkins, and David Breitman, Parastoo has honed her craft to a remarkable level. She has also participated in master classes with Sergey Malov, Marc Vanscheeuwijck, Geoffrey Burgess, and Shira Kammen.

Parastoo's performance career is highlighted by her collaborations with eminent period instrument ensembles and musicians. In the summer of 2024, she performed Vivaldi’s Summer, with the Seven Hills Baroque Orchestra. As an ARTEK Corelli Fellow, she had the unique opportunity to perform Corelli's Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 2 with the renowned Enrico Gatti. Her leadership skills were showcased as she led the Indiana University Baroque Orchestra in performances of works by Vivaldi and Bach. Additionally, she has been a regular performer with the Bloomington Bach Cantata Project under the direction of Daniel R. Melamed.

Parastoo began her specialized training in Baroque violin under the guidance of Stanley Ritchie. She earned her Master’s degree and Performer’s Diploma in Historical Performance, Baroque Violin under the guidance of Ingrid Matthews, from Indiana University, where she also served as an Associate Instructor. Her foundational training includes a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from the University of Tehran.

This fall, Parastoo will embark on the next chapter of her academic career, pursuing a Doctorate in Musical Arts in Baroque Violin at Case Western Reserve University under Julie Andrijeski.