Didem Başar

I am a Turkish Kanun player and composer based in Montreal, Canada. My aim is to create a dialogue between traditional Turkish music and Western classical music.

Upcoming Concerts

All Concert Dates

LEVANTINE RHAPSODY

 

6 October 2022

Maison de la Culture du Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montréal, QC.Canada

Tickets/Info

OKTOECHO

Transcestral

8 November 2022

Biennale – Cinars

Theatre Maisoneuve, Montreal, QC. Canada

Ticket/Info

CONTINUUM

with Quatuor Andara, Samuel-San Vachon, Patrick Graham

9 November 2022

Biennale – Cinars

Le National, Montreal, QC. Canada

Ticket/Info

CARL MAYOTTE

Espaces

12 November 2022

Maison de la Culture de Warwick, QC. Canada

Tickets/Info

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…