Bosphorus to Boston Concert Series : Ottoman Music

The opening concert of the Bosphorus to Boston Concert Series invites you on a musical journey through Ottoman classical music from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

This program explores how Turkish classical music grew and evolved across the Ottoman world — from the imperial court to Sufi lodges, and through the creative voices of Greek, Armenian, Jewish, and Muslim musicians, as well as sultans who were composers themselves. Rooted in the makam system, this music reflects centuries of shared traditions and cultural exchange.

The evening features a mix of instrumental and vocal works, including elegant peşrevs, expressive songs (şarkıs), and selections from a Mevlevi ritual, to highlight how the style developed over time. Together, the pieces offer a vivid picture of a living tradition shaped by many communities across four centuries.

Performed on traditional instruments such as kanun, oud, tanbur, kemençe, ney, and percussion, the concert brings historical repertoire to life in an intimate and welcoming setting — connecting the sounds of the past with today’s listeners.

Performers

Volkan Efe – kanun, oud, voice
Theresa Thompson – violin, bendir
Tev Stevig – tanbur, lavta, rebab
Mithat Yavuzarslan – kemençe, ney
Michael K. Harrist – yaylı tanbur, kudüm, bendir
Eylül Yalçınkaya – voice, bendir