Hakan Ali Toker
Concerti Orientali – also known as Senfonik Fasıl – gathers beloved Turkish art songs arranged for piano solo, string orchestra and optional singers, blending the ornamented melodies of the East with Western harmony and counterpoint.
Traditional Turkish music encompasses many sub-genres, one of which is Türk sanat müziği (classical urban music). Developed in the Ottoman court yet rooted in Anatolian folk traditions, it shares affinities with Eastern European and Middle Eastern music.
Concerti Orientali is the latest turn in a centuries-long musical exchange between East and West. Hakan A. Toker arranges iconic Turkish art songs for piano solo, string orchestra and optional singers, inviting Western-trained musicians to interpret makam-based repertoire while enriching it with Western harmony and counterpoint.
Watch / Listen:
Sample programme
1 Instrumental soloist: Hakan A. Toker, piano and accordion,
String Orchestra (minimum 18 players): 5 first violins, 5 second violins, 3 violas, 4 cellos, 2 double basses,
1 Drummer
Rider:
Acoustic grand piano
Drum kit
Chairs and music stands for the orchestra
Hakan A. Toker, piano and accordion,
1 or 2 Turkish traditional singer(s) male and/or female,
String Orchestra,
1 Drummer
Rider:
Acoustic grand piano,
Drum kit,
Sound system for singer only
Chairs and music stands for orchestra and singer(s)
Hakan A. Toker, piano and accordion,
1 Female Turkish singer,
1 Male Turkish singer,
1 Countertenor,
Turkish Traditional Ensemble (ud, kanun, tambur, kemençe, ney),
Conductor,
String Orchestra,
1 Drummer
Rider:
Acoustic grand piano,
Harpsichord (optional)
Drum kit,
Sound system for singers and Turkish instruments,
Chairs and music stands for both ensembles and singers
