2026 Adjudicators

Bahar Ossareh

Classical Guitarist

Praised as "charming and soulful" by Maestro David Russell and described as “a player of tremendous expressive range, who enchants listeners,” Bahar Ossareh is an Iranian-Canadian classical guitarist celebrated for her warm tone, soulful performances, and imaginative programming.

Her repertoire draws from a rich global palette, weaving musical stories from diverse cultures. Whether rooted in European, Middle Eastern, or Latin American traditions, her selections reflect a deep artistic curiosity and connection to both heart and heritage. She is emerging as a passionate ambassador of Persian guitar music, bringing the unique voice of her homeland into the classical world.

Holding a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Toronto and recognized with awards like the Eaton and Eli Kassner Fellowships, Bahar blends scholarly depth with emotional sensitivity. Her journey continues through the discovery of rarely performed works—uncovering gems and shaping them into narratives that resonate across time and place.

In 2016, Bahar made Canada her home and has since graced numerous stages as both a soloist and chamber musician. She has collaborated with esteemed organizations and orchestras such as the Guitar Society of Toronto, Guitar Society of Calgary, Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra, Austin Classical Guitar, Florida International University and more. Her debut solo album, Variations (2025), explores the theme and variations form across styles and traditions. As an active artist and instructor with the tonebase team, Bahar contributes to the world’s largest classical guitar community with international adjudicating experience.