Bosphorus to Boston Concert Series : Ottoman Music

Bosphorus to Boston Concert Series – Opening Concert The Bosphorus to Boston Concert Series launches on Friday, January 17 with an evening of Ottoman classical music spanning the 16th to 19th centuries. This concert brings together instrumental and vocal works shaped by the imperial court, Sufi lodges, and the many communities of the Ottoman world. Featuring music by composers of Greek, Armenian, and Turkish backgrounds—as well as sultans who were composers themselves—the program highlights a shared musical heritage rooted in the makam tradition. Performed on traditional instruments such as kanun, oud, tanbur, kemençe, ney, and percussion, the program offers an intimate introduction to a musical world shaped by centuries of artistic exchange and living tradition. About the Concert Series Bosphorus to Boston Concert Series is a new monthly concert series celebrating the richness and diversity of Turkish musical heritage in the Boston area. Beginning in the new year, the series explores a wide range of traditions—from Ottoman classical music to folk traditions and popular repertoire—while also highlighting moments of cross-cultural dialogue. Each concert focuses on a different theme, offering audiences an accessible and engaging way to experience this evolving musical world. Event Details 📅 Friday, January 17 ⏰ 7:30 PM 📍 The Church of the Good Shepherd 9 Russell Ave, Watertown, MA 💵 $20 at the door 🎟 Seats can be reserved on Eventbrite or at the door. Performers Volkan Efe – kanun, oud, voice Theresa Thompson – violin, bendir Tev Stevig – tanbur, lavta, rebab Mithat Yavuzarslan – kemençe, ney Michael K. Harrist – yaylı tanbur, kudüm, bendir Eylül Yalçınkaya – voice, bendir What to Expect<ul><li>Seated concert in a beautiful acoustic space</li><li>No prior knowledge required</li><li>All are welcome</li></ul>

Church of the Good Shepherd

Crossroads of Sound Concert - Folk Music from Turkiye

Crossroads of Sound Concert – Folk Music from Türkiye - A Journey Through Anatolia Join us for the next concert of&nbsp;Crossroads of Sound, a project founded on the vision of bringing together local talent to celebrate and connect the diverse modal music traditions of the Middle East, the Balkans, and Anatolia. This edition explores the vibrant folk heritage of Türkiye, weaving traditional sounds with contemporary influences. Curated by&nbsp;Crossroads’ Turkish folk music master&nbsp;Fatih Acun, the program journeys across Anatolia, highlighting intersections with the musical traditions of the region. Western instruments such as piano, violin, and double bass will harmonize with the rich tones of bağlama, oud, ney, bendir, and tanbur. This concert is expected to sell out—secure your tickets today for a transcendent musical journey! Crossroads' Performers<ul><li>Fatih Acun – bağlama, vocals</li><li>Theresa Thompson – violin, bendir</li><li>Michael K. Harrist – yaylı tanbur, bendir, double bass, vocals</li><li>Joolz – piano, vocals, bendir</li><li>Volkan Efe – oud, ney, kanun, vocals</li></ul>Guest Musicians<ul><li>Stefanos Athinaios – drums</li><li>Emre Efe – bağlama</li></ul>

Powers Music School

Crossroads of Sound: A Portrait of Iranian Soundscapes

Join us for the third chapter of Crossroads of Sound, a project born from the vision of uniting local talent to celebrate and bridge the diverse modal music traditions of the Middle East, the Balkans and Anatolia. This edition delves deep into the musical heritage of Iran, weaving traditional sounds with contemporary influences. In this performance, you will experience the artistry of Boston-based Iranian composer and tar virtuoso Alireza Khodayari, alongside the soulful vocals of Mahya Hamedi and special guest Malik Schilling on percussions. They will be joined by the Crossroads of Sound ensemble, blending Iranian dastgah with Western instruments like piano, violin, and double bass, harmonizing with the rich tones of tar, oud, ney, baglama, and tanbur. This concert is expected to sell out, so secure your tickets! <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crossroads-of-sound-a-portrait-of-iranian-soundscapes-tickets-1021378720247?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1LWToVJi6CJMgC8HkRVGPGyW8_gxfQFL4afOKkOt5Py8LEC-f5syKY_9w_aem_60mngtHUjCH7CbrnoxmOoA" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/.../crossroads-of-sound-a...</a> Performers: Alireza Khodayari – tar Mahya Hamedi – vocals, piano Malik Schilling – percussion Theresa Thompson – violin, bendir Fatih Acun – baglama, vocals Michael K. Harrist – yaylı tanbur, bendir, double bass, vocals Joolz Ma – piano, vocals Volkan Efe – oud, ney, kanun, vocals

Crossroads of Sound: Makam Journeys from Armenia to Anatolia

Crossroads of Sound: Makam Journeys from Armenia to Anatolia, featuring Samuel Sjostedt Welcome to the second chapter of "Crossroads of Sound"! Born from the vision of drawing from the vast pool of brilliant local musicians to bridge diverse makam traditions, our project continues to explore the rich musical tapestry of Anatolia, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. In this installment, witness the magic unfold with Boston-area composer and multi-instrumentalist Samuel Sjostedt, accompanied by Crossroads of Sound’s wonderful ensemble of musicians. Diverse backgrounds converge as Western instruments like piano, violin, and double bass dance with the enchanting sounds of oud, duduk, kanun, ney, baglama, and kemence. As Samuel's oud and duduk resonate, witness the enchanting journey through his original compositions inspired by Armenian towns, alongside the timeless works of Armenian master composers like Kemani Tatyos Efendi and Bimen Sen, and the contemporary brilliance of Ara Dinkjian. This concert is expected to sell out, so secure your tickets today and be part of this transcendent musical experience! Musicians: Sam Sjostedt – oud, duduk Volkan Efe – ney, kanun, kemence, voice Theresa Thompson – violin, bendir Fatih Acun – baglama, guitar, voice Michael K. Harrist - yaylı tanbur, bendir, double bass Aakaash Rao – piano

New School of Music

Shuunya Presents: Dreams as Labor

The Shuunya Ensemble blends influences from Hindustani, Turkish, classical Western, and jazz traditions, blurring borders and centering improvisation and spontaneity. Dreams as Labor features a series of original songs united by grappling with — and sometimes resolving — tension: tension between musical and linguistic traditions, tension between artistic approaches, and tension between composition and improvisation. The magical acoustics of the Swedenborg Chapel breathe additional richness and depth into this genre-defying performance. Wheelchair accessible. Children welcome. Free entry; donations welcome.

Swedenborg Chapel

An Earthquake Relief Concert of Turkish Classical and Folk Music: Boston Meshk Ensemble

Come join us for an unforgettable musical journey as the Boston Meshk Ensemble makes its debut performance. They will be presenting a traditional repertoire of Turkish classical and folk songs, showcasing the rich and diverse musical heritage of Turkey. Admission to the concert is free, but we encourage attendees to make donations in the form of cash or check to support earthquake relief efforts at the Bridge to Turkiye Fund. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the power of music while also making a difference in the world. Don't miss out! <a href="https://secure.givelively.org/teams/bridge-to-turkiye/kahramanmaras-earthquake-relief-fund/meshk-ensemble">https://secure.givelively.org/teams/bridge-to-turkiye/kahramanmaras-earthquake-relief-fund/meshk-ensemble</a>

Holden Chapel, Harvard Yard

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Volkan Efe

Where

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