Setareh Ahmadi is a distinguished Iranian Setar player and musician known for her expertise in Persian classical music and her collaborations with international artists.
Born in January 1991, she developed a passion for the Setar in her early teenage years, encouraged by her brother. At the age of 18, she pursued academic studies in music at Tehran University of Art. During her training, she studied under the renowned musician Aydin Olyanasab, mastering an extensive repertoire that included 10 Pieces for Tar by Hossein Alizadeh, as well as works by Parviz Meshkatiyan, Faramarz Payvar, Ahmad Ebadi, and Farhang Sharif.
Following the passing of her brother in 2015, she performed a piece titled Torkaman at the University of Art in his memory. After completing her studies in 2017, she released her debut album, The Legend of the Ice Flower, featuring some of her own compositions. She has also collaborated with various international artists, including Tallisker from France, Göksel Baktagir from Turkey, and Maati Baani from India. That same year, she launched her professional Setar workshop at Tehran Andisheh Hall and began performing professionally at Rooberoo Mansion in a Setar and Tombak duet.
In 2021, Ahmadi explored a fusion of traditional and modern music by releasing the single Mirage, which combines Setar with ambient music. She also participated in the Gothenburg World Music Festival in Sweden, performing a Setar and Tombak duet.
In 2022, she released the single Olden Song, further blending Persian classical music with contemporary elements. That same year, she performed in The Moment concert, which showcased her evolving musical style and improvisational abilities.
In 2023, she took part in The Dastgah of Persian Music, a project led by maestro Hossein Alizadeh. She also held a concert titled Dialogue in Barcelona, Spain, and conducted a workshop and performance in Fethiye, Turkey, at Muzik Koyu.
In 2024, Ahmadi performed two concerts in Istanbul and collaborated with renowned musicians Erkan Uğur and Cenk Erdoğan. She also returned to Muzik Koyu in Avanos, Turkey, as both a teacher and performer.