The Sound of Istanbul

The Turkish Makam: The Sound of Istanbul

Baha Yetkin: Oud
Alexandros Koustas: Istanbul Kemençesi (Kemenche of Istanbul)

Constantly evolving since the 13th century, the Turkish Makam has become one of the worlds’ great music traditions. With Istanbul as its centre, folk, religious and classical music forms of the city and nearby regions create an elaborate tapestry of sound colours. The Turkish makam has served equally folk music and dance, court audiences as well as Mevlevi ceremonies.

London based Oud virtuoso Baha Yetkin and Kemenche player Alexandros Koustas explore the endless diversity of the Makam and its uses.

Baha Yetkin, Oud
Baha Yetkin is an internationally acclaimed oud virtuoso, composer and educator from Istanbul, known for his expressive playing, refined technique and deep connection to Turkish makam music. With a career spanning over 25 years, he brings together the musical heritage of Anatolia with contemporary, jazz and flamenco influences, creating a distinctive sound that bridges tradition and modern expression. Since relocating to London, he has performed across Europe and collaborated with musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, as well as contributing to productions by organisations including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Donmar Warehouse, İş Sanat and Oyun Atölyesi.

Alongside his performance career, Yetkin is a dedicated educator who has delivered masterclasses and workshops at institutions including Cambridge University and SOAS University. He teaches oud and Turkish makam music to students worldwide through online and in-person lessons, his method book, and his educational YouTube content. His discography includes The Pearl, The Turkish Oud and The Makam – Oud, alongside singles such as The Emperian, Tears of the Pearl, Shine Again, Uzak Diyarlar and Denizin Kıyısında, each reflecting his artistic vision and his commitment to preserving and evolving the sound of the oud.
Alexandros Koustas (Kemence of Istanbul)
Alexandros studied the violin and the viola at the Royal Academy of Music. He is the principal violist of the English National Ballet Philharmonic and he was recently appointed as a member of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.
He has been studying the Turkish Makam for the past four years, focusing on the Klasik Kemençe. Alexandros has taken ethnomusicology classes at SOAS and regularly attends the “Labyrinth” music courses in Crete. He continues to study with Evgenios Voulgaris and Baha Yetkin. Alexandros recently had the opportunity to play the Kemençe in ENBs’ new production of Akram Khan Giselle with the ENB Philharmonic, in London and on tour.

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