Didem Başar

Turkish Kanun player and composer based in Montreal, Canada. 

Upcoming Concerts

All Concert Dates

ziya tabassian

Remembrances

August 31, 2024 12:00

La Fete de la Musique de Tremblant, Scéne Deslauriers
Montremblant, QC. Canada

 

CONSTANTINOPLE&Ghalia Benali

Sur les traces de Rumi

September 10, 2024 20:00

Opéra Montpellier, 
Montpellier, France

 

CONSTANTINOPLE&Ghalia Benali

Sure les traces de Rumi 

September 12, 2024 20:00

Rencontres polyphoniques de Calvi 
Calvi, France

 

COrdes Sympathiques

with Ziya Tabassian, Maryam Tazhdeh, Anjana Srinivasan 

September 18, 2024 19:30

Salle de concert du Conservatoire de Montréal
Montréal, QC. Canada

 

CONSTANTINOPLE & cappella mariana

Odyssey of Krystof Harant

September 21, 2024 19:00

Kostel sv. Jakuba Starsiho
Ceska Kamenice, Czech Republic 

CONSTANTINOPLE & cappella mariana

Odyssey of Krystof Harant

September 22, 2024 18:00

Church of St. John the Baptist,
Hlucin, Czech Republic

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.

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…

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…