Niki Yaghmaee
Violist, Violinist, Composer and Producer
Niki Yaghmaee is a Berlin-based musician, composer, and producer whose artistic journey has traversed classical training, orchestral performance, and innovative electronic experimentation. Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, he initially trained in classical violin and viola, performing with some of the country’s most esteemed orchestras. Over time, Niki's creative vision expanded beyond traditional orchestral settings, leading him to explore fusion compositions that blend acoustic string instruments with electronic beats, looping techniques, and genre-defying arrangements.
In 2012, Niki founded, co-produced and released a fusion album with Talangor Band, combining alternative and classical influences. This pivotal project spurred his interest in alternative hip-hop production, beat-making, and songwriting. He began crafting original beats, writing rap lyrics, and experimenting with the synergy between hip-hop rhythms and the expressive textures of strings and piano.
In 2017, alongside cellist Golsana Shenasaei, Niki co-founded Duos Duet. Initially starting with street performances in Tehran, Duos Duet quickly evolved into a platform for personal and experimental musical expression. Together, Niki and Golsana have performed extensively in cities such as Tbilisi, Istanbul, Izmir, and Berlin, collaborating with diverse international artists, dancers, and visual creators. Duos Duet’s distinctive soundscape merges cinematic aesthetics, classical-world crossover, and experimental electronica, driven by looping and computer-generated textures. Their emotionally resonant performances reflect their classical roots and rich Iranian heritage.
At the heart of Niki’s artistry lies improvisation, allowing him creative freedom from genre boundaries and enabling him to draw inspiration from Iranian poetry, landscapes, and experiences navigating censorship as an artist.
Beyond Duos Duet, Niki spearheads Duos Mate, a multidisciplinary project fostering collaboration among musicians, performers, and visual artists to produce innovative and boundary-pushing Music/Music Videos.
In 2025, Niki founded Borderless Creatures, a Berlin-based music platform and collective where he curates events, concerts, workshops, talks, and performances. Borderless Creatures emphasizes acoustic and hybrid arrangements, aiming to nurture independent artists from diverse cultural and artistic disciplines, foster creative experimentation, and cultivate an inclusive, hate-free community.
Complementing his musical career, Niki is also a passionate visual storyteller. He produces and edits videos for his YouTube channel, "Gasht Masht," sharing insights about travel, immigration, and life abroad in both Farsi and English. Additionally, he specializes in drone videography, seamlessly integrating his visual storytelling skills with his musical projects. His video works and comprehensive creative portfolio are accessible in the Works section of his website.
Works
Experience Highlights
2025
Composer and Sound Design - “Frauen im Dunkeln” at ACUD Theater
2024
Hybrid Audio Visual Improvisation Live Set – Hosek Contemporary
Violist at Rondo Projects - Panda Platforma
Writer, Director and Music - "Bypass Portal" – 10th EXPO Festival
Writer, Director and Music "Bypass Portal" – Ackerstadtpalast
2023
Fellowship – Ackerstadtpalast Berlin - Playground Berlin
2022
2021
2019
Violist – Holland Festival, Amsterdam, with Nilper Orchestra
Violin performance with Duos Duet – Fête de la Musique, Berlin
2018
2017
2016
Sound Designer – Untimely Underground Contemporary Dance Festival
2015
Composer and Sound Designer – Otto Piene Exhibition, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Arts
2013
Composer and Violin Player – 8th Marivan International Street Theater Festival
2012
Viola and Violin performance with Nader Mashayekhi
2011
Second Prize Award – Violin Solo Performance, Iranian Classical Music House Festival
2007–2017
Violinist and Violist in:
Austro-Iranian Symphonic Orchestra (AISO)
Pars Orchestra
Nilper Orchestra
Iranian National Orchestra
Tehran New Music Orchestra
Inter Orchestra
Rood Ensemble
Bivac Ensemble
Contact
For Violin/Viola and Ableton lessons, string recording inquiries, consultations about your live event, or any other questions, please fill out the form below. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.