Didem Başar

Turkish-Canadian Kanun player and composer based in Montreal, Canada.

Upcoming Concerts

All Concert Dates

remembrances - Ziya tabassian

 

August 4, 2025 18:00 (EST)

Garage Concerts, Montreal, Canada

Ticket/Info

remembrances - Ziya tabassian

 

August 5-11, 2025

Music Royal, Nova Scotia Tour , Canada

Ticket/Info

solo concert

 

August 21, 2025 18:30 and 19:30 (EST)

Boucherville, Canada

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fleurs sonores abeilles nomades - Ensemble caprice

 

August 23, 2025 16:00 and 17:30 (EST)

Mahatma Gandhi Parc, Montreal, Canada

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CONSTANTINOPLE & cappella mariana

Odyssey of Krystof Harant

August 29, 2025 20:00 (GMT+2)

WDR, Funkhaus
Köln, Germany

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Current Project

Continuum, is my latest creative endeavour, a composition project for Kanun and string orchestra…

The Kanun is known for it’s ability to provide countless opportunities for a rich variety of melodic interpretations. In addition to its classical role in the Middle Eastern music tradition, the Kanun’s melodic resourcefulness also allows its use in Western classical music.

As a kanun player who loves to challenge her instrument’s boundaries, I have participated in various chamber and symphonic music projects over the years. My latest creative endeavour Continuum, is the products of a 30 year long musical journey and the synthesis of both, my Turkish music background and my conservatory education in Western classical music.

Music

A musical dialogue between two cultures…

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey and now established in Montreal, Canada, my music is a dialogue between Middle Eastern and Western classical music.

Kanun

The Kanun is an indispensable instrument of the Turkish music ensemble. When its melodramatic sound is competently blended together by a dexterous artist…

Kanun Lessons

Online or in person

Centre des Musiciens du MOnde

Didem Basar’s class accompanies the students in the discovery or broadening of their knowledge of the principles of Turkish Music and its specific techniques.

Book Lessons

Rhythmitica

In her music the dialogue between the Kanun and Western classical instruments is enriched by Turkish makams (modes) and rhythmic cycles as well as improvisation.

Book Lessons

About me

Born into a family steeped in music, kanun player and composer Didem Başar started her music education at Istanbul Turkish Music State Conservatory when she was 11 years old. Ever since, she has relocated to Canada and collaborated with many ensembles around the world…

Press

As a composer, I will continue to pour my feelings on music scores. As a musician, I am always striving to improve…

Levantive Rhapsody

Latest Album

After composing and playing with different artists and ensembles in Canada for the past 15 years, I wanted to create my own project, which would intertwine two musical influences: Turkish and Western classical music…