Concert
BERKLEE TURKISH ENSEMBLE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2026 | 8:00 pm
Goethe-Institut Boston
170 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02116
Join us for a concert by Berklee Turkish Ensemble led by distinguished musicians and Berklee faculty Utar Artun and Yağmur Soydemir.
The Berklee Turkish Ensemble (BTE) presents a vibrant journey through the rich and diverse sounds of Turkish traditional and fusion music. Celebrating the legacies of Türkiye’s most renowned composers alongside original works by Berklee’s own Turkish faculty and students, the ensemble offers an unforgettable live experience.
At the heart of this performance is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity — showcasing intricate rhythms, evocative melodies, and compelling harmonies that define Turkish music. Audience members will enjoy not only authentic traditional pieces but also innovative fusion performances that highlight the creative spirit of Berklee’s global community. The ensemble places strong emphasis on stylistic integrity, precision, and expressive improvisation, delivering a performance that is both culturally enriching and artistically thrilling.
This concert invites all to experience the passion and creativity of Turkish music, interpreted by some of the finest young musicians blending heritage with innovation.
Ensemble Members
Vocalists:
Elif Yılmam Tuzcu
Julie Cholley
Lucie Cholley
Cansu Kart
Asya Özer
Flute: Sarah Naqvi
Clarinet: Damla Dişli Dalal
Baritone Saxophone & Voice: Owen Cogen
Rubab: Durry Adan
Piano: Zeynep Kara
Guitar & Percussion: Sinan Tökmeci
Electric Bass: Kentaro Mashimo
Drums & Percussion: Nico Guerrero
Ensemble Leaders
UTAR ARTUN
Utar Artun is an acclaimed composer, arranger, and musician. He is Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music.
Artun graduated from Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory, and from Berklee College of Music summa cum laude, receiving numerous accolades. His compositions were featured on Jazz Revaluation Records CDs. In 2011, he performed with legendary guitarist Kevin Eubanks. He performed and recorded with world-renowned artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Dave Weckl, Jojo Mayer, Antonio Sanchez, Mark Guiliana, A.R. Rahman, Simon Shaheen, Dave Holland, Eddie Gomez, Jason Moran, and many others. He also participated in groundbreaking projects like Rhythm of the Universe and Berklee Yo-Team as an arranger, performer, conductor, and orchestrator.
He also composed Yüz Yılın Yıldızı, an official anthem for the 100th Anniversary of the Turkish Republic, featuring a 100-piece choir and symphonic orchestra.
Artun holds a Master’s degree from the New England Conservatory with Academic Honors. He has composed and arranged more than 160 works for symphony orchestras and over 300 pieces for brass bands and big bands, with his music performed across the United States, Switzerland, Türkiye, The Netherlands, China, Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, Czech Republic, and Russia. He has also served as an arranger for the Ankara Kent Big Band and the Musical Director for the Classical Oasis Ensemble. Additionally, Artun is a voting member of The Recording Academy for the Grammy Awards and a member of SCI, NACUSA, Çağdaş Türk Bestecileri, and BMI.
YAĞMUR SOYDEMİR
Yağmur Soydemir is an acclaimed flutist, composer, arranger, educator. She is Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music.
A multi-award winner in international solo flute and chamber music competitions across Europe, she elegantly blends her classical training with contemporary influences from jazz and Turkish musical traditions. She has performed with over 20 prominent symphony orchestras and in various international venues, including the Berklee Performance Center and MGM Music Hall in Boston. Her talent was recognized with the Turkish Jazz Talent of the Year Scholarship by the Jazz Society of Türkiye. She currently performs with with the Bueno Vista Social Club in their 2025 US tour.
Dedicated to humanitarian causes, she has been involved in community service and co-produced the "Earthquake Relief Project for Türkiye." Soydemir holds a Bachelor's degree from the Nice Conservatory in France, a Master's degree from the Conservatorio Della Svizzera Italiana in Switzerland, and a Professional Diploma and Master's degree from the Berklee College of Music and its Global Jazz Institute.
