World Music Institute to Present LEVANTINE RHAPSODY at Corpus Christi Church
Turkish kanun virtuoso Didem Başar leads an ensemble blending Turkish maqams and Western classical music.
WMI is partnering once again with Music Before 1800 - the longest-running early music concert series in New York City - for a special celebration of Eid al-Adha, featuring the Turkish kanun virtuoso Didem Bașar, along with an ensemble of exceptional musicians. Originally from Istanbul and now based in Montreal, Didem masterfully weaves together two rich musical traditions: Turkish and Western classical music. The performance showcases a vibrant dialogue enriched by Turkish maqams (modes), ornate rhythmic cycles, and improvisation. This captivating blend is complemented by compositions that embrace a distinctly impressionist style. The concert will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2026.
Didem Başar was born into a family steeped in music. She started her music education at Istanbul Turkish Music State Concervatory when she was 11 years old. After completing the Conservatory's kanun program, she continued her training at the same institution and received her Bachelor's Degree in composition. Her interest in examining the effects of art on society led her to pursue a Master's Degree on the musical analysis of Mevlevi Music at Marmara University. She gave lectures on Turkish music and kanun playing techniques at Haliç University's Turkish Music Conservatory and Istanbul University State Conservatory from 2001 until she moved to Canada in 2007. Now based in Montreal, Didem has taught kanun and Turkish music at the Centre des Musicians du Monde de Montreal since 2017.
The ensemble features Didem Basar (direction, composition, kanun), Guy Pelletier (bass flute and transverse flute), Dominique Beauséjour (Ostiguy cello), and Patrick Graham (Percussion).
WMI's ORIGINS series features artists who delve into the folklore and roots of their respective culture's music to tell the story of their origins, preserving and affirming cultural identities and legacies
Videos
