Labyrinth Ontario: Live Concert of Turkish Makam

The Toronto Public Library and Labyrinth Ontario present a magical evening of Turkish/Ottoman music.

Journey through centuries of musical tradition as the enchanting sounds of Turkish makam music fill the Toronto Reference Library. This isn't just any concert—it's a cultural bridge spanning continents, from the ancient Silk Road to modern-day Toronto.

Makam music is like a musical language spoken across vast regions, from Central Asia to North Africa, each "makam" offering its own unique emotional landscape and melodic storytelling. Think of it as musical poetry, where every phrase carries the weight of history and the warmth of human connection. Whether you're a music lover, culture enthusiast, or simply curious about the world beyond our borders, this concert promises to transport you through time and space—all without leaving the heart of downtown Toronto.

Ticket registration for this event is required: Free tickets for this event are available to book via Eventbrite.

About this event's guests:

Saghi Farsijani is a Persian, Toronto-based musician specializing in Qanun and Violin performance, who is recognized for her expressive playing and unique ability to blend Persian, Turkish, Arabic, and Western classical styles.

Canan Sezgin Geylan is a Turkish instrumentalist and vocalist, developing her style and technique with her father’s extensive archive of prominent vocal and instrumental masters. She is a constant collaborator with her husband, Yahya Geylan, having hosted multiple Turkish radio and television programs.

Yahya Geylan is a classical Turkish instrumentalist, vocalist, and conductor, having performed internationally with the Pera Ensemble at the Festival Sesc de Música de Câmara in Brazil and A Pole in the Palace: Ali Ufki Bey with the Saz-ü Söz ensemble. With his wife, Canan Sezgin Geylan, Yahya has released duet album Aşkın Dansı.

Julian Anderson-Bowes is an acoustic and electric bassist, improviser and composer hailing from Toronto, Canada. He collaborates and performs with artists across a range of musical styles from traditional jazz to experimental/indie pop, including Moonbliss, Tara Kannangara, and Eric West.

Roa (HyunYoung) Lee is a Gayageum musician from Korea, and well versed in both Asian and Western musical traditions. A passionate explorer of fusion music and new music, she has collaborated with the Aga Khan Museum and Harbourfront Centre, and appeared as a soloist with Daegu Municipal Korean Music Orchestra and Daejeon Municipal Korean Music Orchestra.

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is a not-for-profit dedicated to the study and performance of sonic traditions rooted in modal music, experimenting with sounds that stretch from Afghanistan through Central and West Asia and beyond.

The work of Labyrinth Ontario is supported by the Yunus Emre Institute of Turkish Culture.

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This event is part of TPL’s programming series, Islamic History and Culture.

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PLAN YOUR VISIT:

Location: Atrium Stage, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street), 1st floor

Time: Doors open 6 pm, Event starts 7 pm.

Tickets: Free registration required.

Ticket policy: We oversell these events to make sure that most people have an opportunity to attend. Tickets are guaranteed until 6:45pm or until capacity is reached. Any remaining space will be opened up to the rush line beginning at 6:45pm.

TPL is committed to accessibility. If you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation for this event, please contact [email protected] or 416-393-7099 at least three weeks prior to the event.

Host or Publisher Toronto Public Library