A Turkish delight

Founded in 1999 by Yurdal Tokcan, Istanbul Sazendeleri is a community of musicians from Turkey – each of them specialising in a particular instrument, each of them a virtuoso in his own right – with the common aim of promoting Turkey’s musical heritage. They keep this heritage alive not only by performing the music that has been passed down from generation to generation for several centuries, but also by seeking out new sounds that will perpetuate its presence in the modern-day culture of Turkish communities and beyond. In the years they have been active, Istanbul Sazendeleri, which essentially means ‘Istanbul instrumentalists’, have performed at countless international and domestic festivals. Featuring some of the most famous musicians in their homeland, they have toured all over the world – from the US and Canada to Japan, Israel, Qatar, India and most countries in Europe. Their musical performances command a dedicated following that transcends race, creed and nationality. Despite their hectic schedule, however, this talented musical collective had never been to Malta; until now that is, as later this month, Istanbul Sazendeleri will be playing at the Manoel Theatre in...