Didem Başar

Turkish Kanun player and composer based in Montreal, Canada. 

Upcoming Concerts

All Concert Dates

constantinople & Marco Beasley

Il Ponte di Leonardo

January 16, 2025 19:30 (GMT+1)

Gustav-Lübcke-Museum
Hamm, Germany
Ticket/Info

 

constantinople & Marco Beasley

Il Ponte di Leonardo

January 18, 2025 20:00 (GMT+1)

Music Centre de Bijloke
Gent, Belgium
Ticket/Info

 

constantinople & Marco Beasley

il Ponte di Leonardo

January 19, 2025 20:00 (GMT+1)

Evangelisch-Lutherse Kerk
Groningen, Netherlands
Ticket/Info

 

constantinople

Residency with Holland Baroque

January 22-23, 2025 

Utrecht, Netherlands

 

Abdul-wahab Kayyali & didem başar

Dear Laila
Basel Zaara-installation

Febuary 6, 2025 16:00 (EST)

MAI, Montréal, arts interculturels
Montréal, QC. Canada
Ticket/Info

 

constantinople & Accademia del Piacere

From Seville to Isfahan

Febuary 15, 2025 21:00 (GMT+1)

Grand AuditoriumCalouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Lizbon, Portugal 
Ticket/Info

 

constantinople & Darlene Gijuminag-Celina Kalluk

Breathings

Febuary 21, 2025 20:00 (EST)

Aga Khan Mueseum
Toronto, ON. Canada
Ticket/Info

 

constantinople & Darlene Gijuminag-Celina Kalluk

Breathings

Febuary 21, 2025 20:00 (EST)

Aga Khan Mueseum
Toronto, ON. Canada
Ticket/Info

 

constantinople & Darlene Gijuminag-Celina Kalluk

Breathings

Febuary 23, 2025 20:00 (EST)

Grand Théâtre de Québec
Québec City, QC. Canada
Ticket/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…