Mesel are a jazz ensemble from Istanbul bringing a modern and refreshing take on traditional music from Anatolia and it’s neighbouring regions. The group consists of baglama (Turkish type of Lute) played by Sinan Ayyildiz, vocals and baglama by Ismet Aydin , kemancha (traditional bowed instrument) performed by Ugur Önur, upright bass played by Apostolos Sideris and various percussion performed by Burak Çakir.
Mesel’s upcoming performance in the Elgar marks their premiere performance in the UK. They will present a diverse program of traditional songs from Anatolia as well as from the Middle East, from Middle Asia, the Balkans and Greece. Due to the musicians diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, these folkloric melodies are blended with elements of Jazz, western classical music as well as Art music from the Ottoman period to create a style and approach that is rather unique in its delivery. It is Mesel’s belief that tradition, although respected, should be open for constant reinterpretation and subjected to evolution.
Nour Festival shines a light on the very best in contemporary Middle Eastern and North African arts and culture, each October and November, in venues across the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, organised by the Council’s Arts and Culture Service. From its origins as a pioneering arts education programme based at Leighton House Museum, Nour has grown to the all-encompassing, 32-partner and 20-venue strong cultural festival of today.
Each year, Nour introduces more new friends and welcomes ever-growing new audiences, all united in a desire to experience artistic excellence and thought-provoking work, which challenges stereotypes of this region of the world and its peoples, through cultural expression.