Mystic Sounds from Anatolia, A Ramadan Special Concert in London

As the month of March ushers in the spring season, Yunus Emre Institute London is proud to present “Mystic Sounds from Anatolia: A Ramadan Special Concert,” an evening dedicated to the spiritual reflective atmosphere of the month of Ramadan. The concert on Monday, 25 March 2024, promises an immersive experience into the soulful melodies that have been cherished for centuries. Following this, the institute will also host the “Palm Sunday Concert” on 24 March 2024, offering a blend of classical and contemporary pieces in a more concise program.

Mystic Sounds from Anatolia: A Ramadan Special Concert: On the tranquil evening of Monday, 25 March 2024, at 8 PM, the storied St. Mary’s Islington will welcome guests for an intimate concert celebrating the rich traditional and spiritual music of Türkiye. ‘Mystic Sounds from Anatolia’ will offer a warm embrace to all who seek a moment of connection during the sacred month of Ramadan. This special concert will feature four musicians who are not just performers but custodians of Anatolia’s soulful music traditions. The audience can expect an evening filled with music that has been part of Türkiye’s cultural fabric for centuries.

The evening will be graced by the presence of Baha Yetkin, Serdar Yılmaz, Umut Ekiz, and Muammer Sağlam, each bringing their own touch of Anatolia’s musical legacy. The audience can expect an evening filled with music that has been part of Türkiye’s cultural fabric for centuries, offering a space for reflection and joy during Ramadan. The concert will feature a selection of songs that showcase the mystical and traditional aspects of Anatolian music, such as: Salat-ı Ummiye , a prayer for the Prophet Muhammad, Ben Yürürüm Yane Yane, a Sufi song about spiritual love and longing, Biz Dünyadan Gider Olduk, a Sufi hymn about detachment from the world. These are just a few examples of the many pieces that will be played during the concert, which will also include some interactive songs that the audience can join in. 

Palm Sunday Concert by London Contemporary Soloists: On Sunday, 24 March 2024, at 7:30 PM, the Yunus Emre Institute London, in collaboration with Music at Hill Society and London Contemporary Soloists, will present a concert that showcases the innovative spirit of contemporary music alongside classical tradition. Emre Şener, the founder and conductor of the London Contemporary Soloists, will take centre stage with his Clarinet Concerto, offering a fresh voice in the classical music landscape. Complementing Şener’s modern composition, Mine Doğantan-Dack, an acclaimed musicologist and concert pianist, will deliver a compelling interpretation of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 11, bringing her extensive experience and global recognition to the performance. This event promises a dynamic interplay of musical eras and styles, inviting the audience on an exploratory journey through time and sound.
These two concerts are a showcase of the institute’s dedication to bringing diverse musical experiences to London. The ‘Mystic Sounds from Anatolia’ provides a space for reflection during Ramadan, while the Palm Sunday Concert offers a blend of the old and the new. Tickets for both events are now on sale, inviting everyone to experience the unique musical offerings of the Yunus Emre Institute London.

Mysctis Sounds from Anatolia Date: Monday 25 March 2024 | 8 PM Venue: St Mary's Church, London, N1 2TX   Tickets: https://MysticSoundsfromAnatolia.eventbrite.co.uk
Palm Sunday Concert Date: Sunday 24 March 2024 | 7:30 PM Venue: Holborn Viaduct London EC1A 2DQ Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-contemporary-soloists-music-at-hill-tickets-842825733457

Baha Yetkin is a renown oud artist and composer. His distinctive fusion of Istanbul and Middle Eastern music led to collaborations with renowned artists such as Mustafa Keser and Petros Klampanis. Notably, Yetkin made history as the first Turkish oud artist invited to play flamenco in Spain and perform a solo recital at Royal Albert Hall. His musical journey encompasses performances at prestigious venues worldwide, participation in various festivals, releasing albums and books
Dr. Serdar Yılmaz, a physicist and virtuoso Kanun player, blends his love of Ottoman and contemporary Turkish music with his PhD in Physics. He has had substantial training in both vocal and instrumental music. Dr. Yılmaz is an associate professor at the University of Mersin who conducts study on the complexities of the Kanun and explores the Physics of Music. His diverse skill set includes collaborations, performances, and advancements in the field of traditional Turkish music.
Umut Ekiz, a graduate of Ege University State Turkish Music Conservatory, is a master of the “Kabak Kemane” and a dedicated educator of Turkish Folk Music. Since moving to London in 2010, he has been an active figure in the music community, performing in concerts and contributing to various music projects. His passion for Anatolian folk music continues to enrich the cultural tapestry of the city.
Muammer Sağlam, a renown Turkish percussionist, was born in Trabzon and then relocated to London at an early age. Since then, he has been performing with many musicians around the UK and has been involved in cultural documentaries with both the BBC and ITV. He plays world percussions including cajón, charms and cymbals as well as Middle Eastern percussions such as darbuka, frame drum and req. Mine Doğantan-Dack, a musicologist and concert pianist, has been acclaimed for her performances and scholarly work in Music Performance Studies. Educated at Juilliard and Columbia University, she has performed internationally and contributed significantly to the field with her publications and teaching roles at prestigious institutions. Currently, she teaches at the University of Cambridge and directs Ensemble Vita Nova.
Emre Şener, born in 2001, is a Turkish composer and conductor recognized for his award-winning compositions. He leads the London Contemporary Soloists and collaborates with various international music festivals and academies. A Royal Academy of Music alumnus, Şener’s recent work includes compositions for the JACK quartet and film scores.

Yunus Emre Institute (Turkish: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü) is the Republic of Turkey’s cultural institute. Established in 2007, the organisation has over 85 branches worldwide. Through cultural diplomacy, the Institute aims to increase awareness of Turkish culture, support the learning of the Turkish language and to stimulate greater exchange in the fields of arts, culture, science, education. Since opening its doors in London in 2010, Yunus Emre Institute has become an improving the bonds of friendship between Turkey and the United Kingdom.