Michalis Kouloumis & Tristan Driessens – Duet Concert

Violinist Michalis Kouloumis (Cyprus) and lutenist Tristan Driessens (Belgium) met for the first time in 2013 in Venice, where they both took part in the Birûn Ensemble, conducted by Kudsi Erguner. In 2021 their paths crossed again for the debut album of Toasaves, a new collective directed by Tristan Driessens that makes the link between Eastern and Medieval Music. From that experience arose the inspiration to enter into a closer collaboration with the aim of deepening other musical affinities. Both Michalis Kouloumis and Tristan Driessens are deeply involved with classical Ottoman music without actually being born in that tradition. In addition, both musicians have in common to be guided by an enthusiasm that makes them constantly explore new horizons. As a result, their musical work is characterized by a remarkable musical versatility. For this duet concert, the two musicians will present a program of classical Ottoman music.

Michalis Kouloumis – biography

“I consider Michalis Kouloumis as a reincarnation of the legendary violinists from the Eastern Mediterranean. His knowledge and the richness of his improvisations prove the soul of a virtuoso musician” (Kudsi Erguner)

Born in a musical family in the island of Cyprus, the violinist Michalis Kouloumis developed a strong musical conception and sensitivity from his early years.

Today he is one of the most important world music violinists, specialized in Greek traditional music, Cyprus traditional music and Ottoman classical music. Michalis Kouloumis is widely appreciated for his improvisational skills in taksim and the use of special techniques, such as diplochordo and overtones in his playing.

www.michaliskouloumis.com

Tristan Driessens – biography

Tristan Driessens is a Belgian born oud player, composer and musicologist who is considered “a musical explorer on the edge between East and West”. In his work as a musical director, the exploration of the mutually enriching dialogue between East and West appears to be a frequently recurring thread. In this regard, projects like Lâmekân Ensemble, Refugees for Refugees and A Folk Dancer’s Journey received acclaim from both critics and audiences around Europe.

As an oud player, Tristan’s carrier took a decisive turning point in 2008, when he met Turkish oud grandmaster Necati Çelik in Vienna. This led him to decide to settle in Istanbul in order to study the modal system of Ottoman court music known as makam. This, combined with the solid oud techniques that were transmitted to him during his training, allowed him to develop a much appreciated style of playing that deeply resonates in the spirit of Eastern music. As a result, he has the privilege to perform and record extensively alongside the main representatives of classical Ottoman music, including Kudsi Erguner, Derya Türkan, Sadreddin Özçimi, Murat Aydemir, amongst many others.

His works as a recording artist have received several major awards, including the Charles Cros Coup de Coeur and the Klara for Best Belgian World Music Album in 2019 and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik in 2021.

www.tristandriessens.com