Kemal Dinç shares his musical journey ahead of London concert

Kemal Dinç, a musician known for his innovative approaches to traditional folk music, discussed his artistic journey and unique instrument designs ahead of his upcoming concert in London. Dinç, who has dedicated years to mastering the bağlama, developed a specialized tuning system he calls "Cross Tuning" (Çapraz Düzen). This configuration, combined with an instrument designed for finger-style playing and arpeggios, allows for a range of techniques that distinguish his sound from traditional performance styles.

Currently teaching at music academies in Cologne and Wuppertal, Dinç views the integration of the bağlama into European academic institutions as a positive, albeit long-overdue, development. However, he notes that acoustic instruments face declining interest in an era dominated by electronic music and artificial intelligence. Having emigrated from Istanbul to Germany with his family at the age of ten, Dinç explains that the challenges of navigating a new culture and experiencing racism led him to find comfort and a means of expression through his instrument. His studies at the Felix Mendelssohn University of Music and Theatre in Leipzig provided him with the discipline of Western classical music and shaped his philosophical views on art.

By blending Anatolian melodies with polyphonic structures, Dinç incorporates influences from avant-garde composers such as John Cage and Igor Stravinsky. He emphasizes that art is a collective endeavor rather than a solitary pursuit. His performance in London on October 22, alongside Olcay Bayır, is a benefit concert for the Köksav Art Foundation, reflecting his commitment to collaborative artistic spaces. For the Turkish-speaking community in the UK, the concert represents an opportunity to witness a modern evolution of traditional music. Dinç encourages young musicians to look beyond the instrument itself, urging them to explore art philosophy and organize within collective groups to create alternative artistic environments.

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Source: Olay Gazete