Luthopia, A Journey with the Oud / Necati Çelik, Tristan Driessens, Akram Ben Romdhane, Ilias Markantonis

Luthopia #2
A Journey with the Oud

For this unique event dedicated to one of the most emblematic and beloved instruments of the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond, we invited Istanbul based oud grand-master Necati Çelik, to paint a unique picture of the oud, an oriental short-necked lute that has been emblematic in Persian, Ottoman and Arabic music for many centuries. With three of today’s most promising young oud players joining forces, this evening promises to highlight the oud’s versatile expressive possibilities as a solo instrument. As the title of the project suggests, with the oud as a common thread, Luthopia believes in the utopia of music that dialogues across borders as a unifying language.

Ilias Markantonis,  Akram Ben Romdhane, Tristan Driessens and Necati Çelik will perform four distinctive oud recitals consisting of modal improvisations (taksim) and classical as well as original compositions.

Necati Çelik distinguishes himself as an undeniable virtuosic oud player, who handles his instrument with a most subtle and complex technique. He profoundly originates from the modal Ottoman music tradition based on makam, and therefore is a first rate representative of the oud as a classical Turkish instrument. Being a purist, he refuses to allow for western influences, and keeps away from the numerous trends of musical eclecticism that exist nowadays. His improvisations, being as authentic as they are expressive, take us back to a deep and profoundly felt music tradition.

Part I
Ilias Markantonis

Part II
Akram Ben Romdhane

Part III
Tristan Driessens

Part IV
Necati Çelik

Total concert duration: approximately 1h30.

Since places are limited, subscribing early online is preferable.

A makam seminar with Necati  will take place at Seyir Muzik during the same weekend. For any questions or remarks, please write to [email protected] or call +32486330360.