Vardan Hovanissian & Emre Gültekin | Baul Meets Saz (Armenie/India/Turkey)

Vardan Hovanissian and Emre Gültekin symbolize reconciliation between peoples through the melancholy but hopeful sounds of Armenian duduk and saz, Turkey’s iconic instrument. From their friendship that crosses borders, they build bridges between traditions and instruments, styles of play and languages that differ, and show how rewarding it can be to live together even when everything separates us. They draw on a rich repertoire of traditional songs as well as new compositions that do not hesitate to address contemporary themes such as the plight of refugees.

A few years ago, Emre Gültekin met the Indian duo of Baul tradition, BrahmaKhyapa, composed of Malabika Brahma (voice) and Sanjay Khyapa (dubki, dotara). From the start, they saw the possible links between saz and baul music: the two genres are both musical and spiritual. As are the similarities between the communities to which they belong and their nomadic way of life. This is reflected in their poetry and their music.

Baul meets Saz ”performs in a changing formation with Emre Gültekin (vocals and saz) and Malabika Brahma (vocals) as the basic duo. For this concert, they will be joined by percussionist Robbe Kieckens.