College of Arts + Architecture’s Shahram Amoui has died

Shahram Amoui, known professionally as Shamou, died Monday, Sept. 9. He served as music director for dance in the College of Arts + Architecture.

José Gámez, dean of the college, stated, “Shamou was an immensely talented artist with a long and extraordinary career in dance and music. He was generous with his creativity in the classrooms, studios and stages where he worked with faculty and students in the Dance Department and across the college.”

A native of Iran, Shamou studied and performed with the Iranian National Ballet as a dancer.  He began his formal music training in Tehran, later studying at the Royal College of Music in London and completing his education at Berklee College of Music in Boston where he earned a Bachelor of Music.

Shamou, who joined the University in August 2016, taught hand drumming, percussion, music for dance and body music in a variety of settings. His compositions for dance and theater were presented in Europe, Africa, China and Mexico. In the United States, his work was showcased at the National Performers Network and at colleges and festivals across the country.

He contributed music to numerous CD compilations and released the solo CDs “Spirits Dance,” “Traces,” “Nebulae” and “Shodjah” with his former band by the same name and “Live at CCE” with his latest ensemble Loopin’.

Gretchen Alterowitz, chair of the Dance Department, shared, “As a musician, Shamou’s talent was prodigious, and he was remarkably skilled at bringing people together through music. He was beloved by his students and especially known for his kindness and generosity as a teacher and colleague.”

Additional information is included in an obituary posted to the Legacy website.