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WEST-EASTERN DIVAN
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's collection of
poems in musical interpretation
What is hard to cover? Fire!
Flame, the monster, will betray
By night its presence, smoke by day.
Hard to hide is love's desire;
However hushed and close it lies,
Love will leap forth from the eyes.
Hardest is a song to hide;
Under bushel 'twill not bide;
Did the poet sing it new,
It has pierced him through and through;
If pranked with pen, his eye approve it,
He would have the whole world love it,
Aloud he reads it joyously
To all - to plague or edify
West-Eastern Divan is a collection of poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe inspired by the poetry of the Persian poet Hafiz. This work inspired the musicians of the ensemble to initiate the project of the same name and to interpret Goethe's Divan musically. The program of the "West-Eastern Divans" includes works of Persian, Azerbaijani traditional music and pieces by German composers of the 16th and 17th centuries. Centuries like Michael Praetorius, Heinrich Schütz and Johann Staden.
THE SILK ROAD
A journey of irony, comedy, tragedy and reconciliation
united in one story
The Silk Road played an important role in the development of cultural relations between the peoples of Europe and Asia. Music, stories, religious and philosophical thought accompanied travelers along what was once the most important trade route.
Based on historical events such as the fall of Constantinople and the expulsion of the Jews and Arabs from Spain, this project creates a musical arc between the centers of events, connecting Venice with Istanbul, Granada with Isfahan.
Accompanied by monologues, poetry by Persian poets and music by Claudio Monteverdi, Guillaume Dufay, Tarquinio Merula and Byzantine composers before and after the Islamization of Istanbul, it is a dramaturgically and artistically unique scenic project that is intended to stimulate dialogue between Western and Eastern culture in modern society and to serve as an impulse generator in the context of social developments.
EAST-SIDE STORY
A symphony of friendship, love and harmony
It is said that music connects people across borders and touches their hearts. We identify with it. In our “East Side Story,” we reflect on the power of music. Its origins resemble a large network that spans generations and regions up to the present day. The program is set in a historical period of great upheaval between Western and Eastern cultures and connects the friendship between two great women, Queen Elizabeth I and Safiye Sultan, as well as English Baroque music with Ottoman court music.
In our “East Side Story,” we reflect on the power of music. Its origins resemble a vast network that spans generations and regions, extending into the present day. The program takes place during a historic period of great upheaval between Western and Eastern cultures and connects the friendship between two great women, Queen Elizabeth I and Safiye Sultan, by combining English Baroque music with Ottoman court music.
ORIENT-EXPRESS
An exotic journey from Paris to Istanbul with Anima Shirvani
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
We invite you on a musical journey full of enjoyment and entertainment! Imagine boarding the legendary Orient Express, which not only entices you with magnificent compartments and delicious food, but also with musical treasures from centuries past and the hits of today!
Our aim is to provide you with an unforgettable evening full of music, fun and good humor. So buckle up and get ready for a musical journey along this eventful route where you are guaranteed not to be able to sit still!
Our concert project “ORIENT-EXPRESS” takes you on a fast-paced journey along the route between Paris and Istanbul. You can look forward to a musical mix that is as colorful as the landscapes you cross. From French chansons to Viennese waltzes and rousing Balkan folk dances to fascinating Ottoman court songs, there is something for everyone!
We look forward to welcoming you on board and providing you with an unforgettable evening. Join us on this musical journey and experience the Orient Express like never before!
WAR AND PEACE
Historical incidents that changed the world, as told through music.
The nature of war and its consequences never change. Humanity does not learn from history and repeatedly falls into the same traps. Although it is almost impossible, we search for the positive aspects of war's effects in retrospect. This project focuses on the 1683 siege of Vienna by the Ottomans. This was not only a military event, but also a symbol of the clash between different worldviews and cultures. During the Great Turkish War, Ottoman music was perceived in the West as 'cruel' and 'absurd'. However, this perception changed quickly. Turkish coffee, accessories and music became an exotic fashion trend in the subsequent period of peace, and not only in Vienna.
What role do colors play in our daily routine? Do they have an influence on it, and if so, which one? Ideally, our daily lifestyle resembles a colorful oriental carpet. Each black thread is followed by a colorful one that makes us laugh, cry, and fall in love. Everyone seeks a thread that suits them. Then they live their life along this thread.
THE SEVEN COLOURS
of the Mugam
Featuring compositions by artists influenced by contemporary events, this project tells a story that is both emotionally moving and educational. The 'War and Peace' project builds a bridge between the East and West, bringing together compositions by renowned masters such as Salomone Rossi, Ali Ufki, Michael Praetorius, Gazi Giray Han and Johann Joseph Fux.
In an era where conflict frequently dominates the headlines, this concert project aims to convey a message of peace and cooperation.
The same is true of the mugam or maqam, each mode of which is like a carpet pattern. It is so complex and fascinating that we can hardly take our eyes off it. The same is true of mugam or maqam, each mode of which is like a carpet pattern. It is so complex and fascinating that we can hardly take our eyes off it. These patterns - the phrases and pauses of a mugam melody - imitate the ever-changing rhythm of human mood. And when we do look away, we discover a new pattern. And then the game begins again.
I HAD A DREAM!
BIR ARZUM VAR!
Love, suffering and cultural unity
A musical encounter between two people
and one soul.
COMING SOON
THE POET IN MINE
A dialog on the anniversary of a great masters
Mehemmed Füzuli.
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