Ahmad Pejman, also spelled Ahmad Pezhman, was a renowned Iranian contemporary classical composer born on July 9, 1935, in Lar, Iran. He passed away on August 29, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 90. Pejman was celebrated for his contributions to opera, symphonies, and film scores.

From an early age, Pejman was immersed in the musical traditions of southern Iran. He began his formal music education in high school, studying violin under Heshmat Sanjari and music theory with Hossein Nassehi. His talent as a violinist led him to perform with the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, and he was awarded a scholarship to study composition at the Music Academy in Vienna. There, he studied under Thomas Christian David, Alfred Uhl, Hans Jelineck, and Friedrich Cerha. His compositions were performed by prestigious ensembles such as the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Pejman returned to Iran in 1968, where he became a prolific composer, creating operas like "The Hero of Sahand" and "Samandar," as well as symphonic works, ballets, and film scores. His collaboration with filmmaker Bahman Farmanara resulted in notable film music, including scores for "Shazdeh Ehtejab" and "The Tall Shadows of the Wind." Pejman also composed music for international projects, such as David Frost's BBC television series "Crossroads of Civilization."

In 1976, Pejman moved to New York to pursue a Doctorate of Music at Columbia University. After the Iranian Revolution, he settled in Los Angeles in 1984, where he continued composing for various ensembles and film projects. His later works included a cantata for the liberation of Khorramshahr in 1992 and collaborations with filmmakers like Mohsen Makhmalbaaf and Majid Majidi.

Pejman's compositions have been performed internationally, and he received numerous awards, including two Crystal Simorgh Awards. In 2017, a commemorative stamp was issued in his honor, recognizing his significant contributions to music.