Mona Matbou Riahi, born in Tehran in 1990, is a captivating musician whose her passion for music led her to the Tehran Conservatory of Music during her formative years. At the age of 17, she embarked on a transformative journey, venturing to Vienna to further her studies at the Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts (MDW). Since then, Vienna has become her playground, where she thrives as a performer, composer, and improviser.
Mona’s approach to music is truly unique, captivating audiences worldwide with her mesmerizing performances. Her music seamlessly blends contemporary and classical elements, combining improvisation, electronic experimentation, and innovative techniques to explore new and unheard sounds. She has graced stages in various artistic formations and projects, collaborating with dancers, actors, and multimedia artists, and has earned recognition at world-renowned festivals and prestigious concert venues.
Since 2016, with her album ‘Narrante,’ Mona has been a part of the esteemed German music label ECM Records. Her latest venture includes her role as the Artistic Director and Curator of DE/semble, a Festival for Jazz and Adventurous Music.
With her boundless technical abilities, passion for artistic exploration, and commitment to pushing boundaries, Mona Matbou Riahi continues to redefine possibilities.
Anthony Braxton, Zsófia Boros, François Couturier, Anil Eraslan, Anja Lechner, Lukas Kranzelbinder, Maja Osojnik, Mario Rom, Lukas Koenig, Manu Mayr, Golfam Khayam, Millycent, Mira lu Kovacs, Clemens Wenger, Golnar Shahyar, Björn Meyer, Mahan Mirarab, Beate Wiesinger, Alexander Krannabetter, David Six, Philipp Kienberger, Alexander Yannilos, Johannes Schleiermacher, Jakob Gnigler, Anna Clare Hauf, Jelena Popržan, Simon Stockhausen, Matija Schellander, Korhan Erel, Klaus Gesing, Cymin Samawatie, Ketan Bhatti, Martin Stegner, Dave Smith, Nick Dunston, Bukhard Stangl , Wu Wei and many more.
Jazzfest Berlin, Festival Internacional de jazz de la Cuidad de Mexico (Mexico City), Jazztopad, Jazz Cerkno, Kick jazz Festival, Wiener Konzerthaus, Konzerthaus Berlin, Jazz and the City, Rudolstadt-Festival, International Jazz Festival Saalfelden (Internationales Jazzfestival Saalfelden)Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige, Porgy&Bess (Vienna), Popfest 2023 (Vienna), SWR NEW JAZZ Meeting, Wien Modern, Women in Jazz, Elbphilarmonie Hamburg, Odeon Theater, Sunset Sunside Jazz Club (Paris),Festival Les Nuits du Monde, Festival Ellas Crean (Madrid), Kings Place (London), Rich Mix {vaakeast Festival}(London), Tonhalle Düsseldorf, Blues House (Mailand), Meridian Arts Centre (Toronto), Glatt und Verkehrt, Spielboden Dornbirn, Multiphonics/Cologne Jazz and World Music Festival, Beeflat Bern, Music Unlimited Wels, Kaleidphone Ulrichsberg, Jazzwerkstatt Wien, Rhiz, etc.
Trickster Orchestra, ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra(2017), Morgenland Chamber Orchetsra (2011-2014), Max Steiner Orchestra (2013-2014), Tehran Symphony Orchestra (Solo, Mozart Clarinet Concerto (2008))