Biography

Sonbol was born in the south of Iran. She left her home town of Bandar Abbas in 1976 for London where she attended university. She moved to the Pacific in 1981, first living in Samoa and then in New Zealand where she presently resides with her husband and two daughters.

Sonbol began performing at the age of 9 when she appeared in local children's television programs. She has since become a professional vocalist and composer. Sonbol has produced/co-produced and recorded several CD's, six of which are in the Persian language. Her album "The Other Wing" was recorded in English and is dedicated to the advancement of women.

Sonbol has performed in numerous functions and events, and has appeared on Radio and Television shows in New Zealand and overseas. She has given concerts in New Zealand, England, Australia, South Africa, China, the United States and Canada. The style of her music is modern, but remains true to classical themes. She has put to music Words of Bahá'u'lláh, and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, as well as poems written by early believers of the Baha'i Faith such as Varqa, Tahirih, Jonun, and Nush.

Sonbol has collaborated with many artists including concert pianist Stephen Small, Farahsheed Golbarani, and Behzad Khoshmashrab.

One of her recent albums "Along the Tigris" is a selection of prayers and sacred Baha'i writings known as "The Hidden Words" - set to orchestral music.