Atefeh Einali is a composer based in Manchester, whose work focuses on the power of dialogue and collaboration. Her musical journey began in Tehran, learning the santoor through traditional Iranian teaching methods, which shaped her connection to music. Through her composition, she has explored how Iranian musical elements could live within new compositions, and be expressed through Western notation rules for composition, and now focuses on creating spaces where diverse voices can meet. She draws inspiration from composers like Ahmad Pejman, Mehdi Hosseini, Bushra El-Turk, Meredith Monk, Chou Wen-Chung, and Lou Harrison. You can read more about Atefeh and and her music on our website here.

Atefeh's new work Another day – written for Music@Malling and commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society as part of the RPS Composers programme – is a contemporary reflection on the effects of war and surviving day to day. It will be performed for the first time by Chamber Domaine, conducted by Thomas Kemp, alongside a programme of British music highlighting the influence of early music on composers such as Britten, Tippett, Adès and Warlock - whose Capriol Suite based on Renaissance dances was written 100 years ago in Eynesford, Kent.

Atefeh says: 'This piece started when my Mum messaged to say she was going to one of the protests in Iran, and then I didn’t hear from her again. My message, “Mum, are you back home safe?”went unseen for weeks. When she finally replied to say she was back, another internet blackout began shortly after, this time because of the war. During those days, I added one note at a time to this piece. Each note felt like getting through another day, being grateful that they were still alive, or holding on in the silence when there was no news at all. Another day survived. This piece reflects that way of living: day by day, just continuing for today. Improvisation in my work has always been a space for musicians from different cultures to enter into dialogue with me through the music. Also, improvisation is not only about dialogue, but it is also about appreciating the present moment, the moments that won’t come
back again in another day.'

Programme: 

Purcell arr Britten - Chacony
Atefeh Einali - Another Day
Thomas Adès - O Albion
Elgar - Serenade for Strings Op.20
Warlock - Capriol Suite
Walton - Touch Her Soft Lips and Part
Tippett - Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Corelli
 

Atefeh is one of eight individuals supported by the 2026 RPS Composers programme, giving each a commission and premiere with a noted ensemble, festival or venue, as well as a year of professional development which gives them the chance to meet industry experts and professional composers, furthering their confidence and skills to seek further commissions and premieres of their own. We're grateful to RPS Members and a range of trusts and foundations whose generous support makes the RPS Composers programme possible.

You can find out more about RPS Membership and how you can help us support talented musicians like Atefeh here.

Atefeh is writing for the Music@Malling. Click the button below to discover more on their website and book your tickets for the performance.