AN ISTANBUL FUSION

An Istanbul Fusion is a unique collaboration between Belgian musicians and artists from the trad-, folk-, and Middle Eastern fusion scene of (Kadıköy/)Istanbul. The group was born out of encounters at the Musical Research Department (MIAM) of the Istanbul Technical University (ITÜ), and further developed through the renowned Kadıköy Sessions — a musical concept where artists from diverse backgrounds and traditions come together to create live music for the local audience.

The repertoire is a vibrant blend of existing arrangements of Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Maghreb folk melodies, enriched with original Middle Eastern fusion and collective improvisations. Think of influences from artists such as Dhafer Youssef, Tigran Hamasyan, Tristan Driessens, and Taksim Trio.

The instrumentation reflects this cultural fusion: Western and Eastern sounds merge into a captivating musical dialogue.

Ruşen Can Acet – Kemenche, Murathan Turhan – Accordion/Keys, Utku Gürler – Trumpet/Bugle, Siebe Duthoit – Trumpet/Bugle, Gamze Yilmazel – Drums/Percussion, Robbe Kieckens – Percussion, Tore Snauwaert – Bass/Cello, Lucie Lelaurain – Flute/Duduk and Haroun İqbal – Guitar