Didem Başar
Turkish-Canadian Kanun player and composer based in Montreal, Canada.
Upcoming Concerts
All Concert Dates
COrdes Sympathiques
with Ziya Tabassian, Maryam Tazhdeh, Anjana Srinivasan, Sheila Hannigan
November 6, 2025 19:30 (EST)
Maison de la Culture Claude-Léveillé
Montréal, QC. Canada
Trio DAZ
with Ziya Tabassian, Abdul-Wahab Kayyali
November 9, 2025 11:00 (EST)
Chalet du Parc Armand-Bombardier,
Montréal, QC. Canada
CONSTANTINOPLE & HOLLAND BAROQUE
CONSTANTINOPLE & HOLLAND BAROQUE
CONSTANTINOPLE & HOLLAND BAROQUE
Current Project
Continuum, is my latest creative endeavour, a composition project for Kanun and string orchestra…
The Kanun is known for it’s ability to provide countless opportunities for a rich variety of melodic interpretations. In addition to its classical role in the Middle Eastern music tradition, the Kanun’s melodic resourcefulness also allows its use in Western classical music.
As a kanun player who loves to challenge her instrument’s boundaries, I have participated in various chamber and symphonic music projects over the years. My latest creative endeavour Continuum, is the products of a 30 year long musical journey and the synthesis of both, my Turkish music background and my conservatory education in Western classical music.
Music
A musical dialogue between two cultures…
Originally from Istanbul, Turkey and now established in Montreal, Canada, my music is a dialogue between Middle Eastern and Western classical music.
Kervan
Zemzeme
Devr-i Raksan | Levantine Rhapsody
Kanun
The Kanun is an indispensable instrument of the Turkish music ensemble. When its melodramatic sound is competently blended together by a dexterous artist…
Kanun Lessons
Online or in person
Centre des Musiciens du MOnde
Didem Basar’s class accompanies the students in the discovery or broadening of their knowledge of the principles of Turkish Music and its specific techniques.
Book Lessons
Rhythmitica
In her music the dialogue between the Kanun and Western classical instruments is enriched by Turkish makams (modes) and rhythmic cycles as well as improvisation.
Book Lessons
About me
Born into a family steeped in music, kanun player and composer Didem Başar started her music education at Istanbul Turkish Music State Conservatory when she was 11 years old. Ever since, she has relocated to Canada and collaborated with many ensembles around the world…
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Press
As a composer, I will continue to pour my feelings on music scores. As a musician, I am always striving to improve…
Levantive Rhapsody
Latest Album
After composing and playing with different artists and ensembles in Canada for the past 15 years, I wanted to create my own project, which would intertwine two musical influences: Turkish and Western classical music…
