GURER AYKAL 

Conductor

Gürer Aykal is a world-renowned conductor whose refined musicianship has shaped major orchestras across Türkiye, Europe, and the United States. One of the first students of composer Ahmed Adnan Saygun, he trained at the Ankara State Conservatory, the Guildhall School of Music, and the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. Aykal has led ensembles including the London Philharmonic and the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra and is honored as a State Artist of Türkiye. He founded the New Manhattan Sinfonietta in New York with TAASNY, expanding his artistic vision.

CAN CAKMUR

Piano Soloist

Can Çakmur is an award-winning pianist whose poetic depth and intellectual clarity have earned him international acclaim. Winner of both the Hamamatsu and Scottish International Piano Competitions, he records Schubert’s complete piano works for BIS and performs in leading concert halls worldwide. His Schubert interpretations have been praised as among the finest of our time. Beyond his recordings, Çakmur is admired for his thoughtful programming and his ability to bring rare expressive insight to both classical and contemporary repertoire.

OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK

Guest Artist

Omar Faruk Tekbilek is an influential performer and composer whose work spans decades of creative exploration. Known for blending Middle Eastern traditions with modern musical forms, he brings expressive depth through his mastery of the ney, bağlama, oud, and percussion. His collaborations with major producers and ensembles have expanded his artistic reach. At the same time, his emotionally rich, spiritually informed style has earned him a lasting place as a distinctive and respected voice in global music. His recordings continue to inspire many worldwide.

RIVER GUERGUERIAN

Percussion

River Guerguerian is a dynamic percussionist, composer, and educator whose four-decade career blends global traditions with innovative rhythmic exploration. A sought-after collaborator, he has performed in major concert halls worldwide and recorded on hundreds of albums. His work unites ancient and modern percussion, sound research, and cross-cultural influences, creating an expressive artistic voice that continues to inspire diverse audiences and students.

HASAN ISAKKUT

Kanun - Composer

Hasan Isakkut is a distinguished kanun virtuoso and composer whose music bridges Classical Turkish traditions with contemporary world-jazz aesthetics. Known for his expressive technique and refined musicality, he has collaborated with leading artists including Richie Havens, Simon Shaheen, and Omar Faruk Tekbilek. His acclaimed albums and concert projects showcase a distinctive voice shaped by depth, clarity, and a timeless sense of storytelling.

Istanbul Historical Turkish Music Ensemble

Whirling Dervishes
The Whirling Dervishes of the Istanbul Historical Turkish Music Ensemble, under the Directorate General of Fine Arts of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, present the authentic heritage of the Mevlevi ceremony and spiritual music. Guided by centuries-old tradition, the ensemble’s disciplined artistry, refined aesthetic, and deeply symbolic movement offer audiences a powerful cultural experience rooted in devotion, harmony, and the timeless legacy of Anatolian Sufi culture.