Muammer Ketencoğlu
Rembetika expert and intermediary between the Balkans and Turkey. The amazing, blind accordeon player possesses a vast repertoire. He also introduced the old Smyrna Rembetika to a large audience. His latest CD, Ayde Mori, showcases the varied music of the Balkans and includes performances by a famous Canadian singer and tambura player. Listen here for Muammer Ketencoğlu & the Zeybek Ensemble:
"Karanfilin Moruna"
"Alt`ay Oldu Ben Bu Dağı Aşalı"
Born in Tire, Izmir in 1964, Muammer Ketencoglu received his initial musical training in a school for the blind during his years of primary and secondary education. He came to realise that among the musical instruments accordion was the one he played with greater emotional intensity and deeper satisfaction. He made popular music until 1986.
During his years in the Bosphorus University, Department of Psychology which he entered in 1983, he was attracted to the folk music of different peoples of the world. Although he first focused on contemporary Greek music (Laika) and Rebetica, his affinity for other peoples' folk music ultimately led him to find his main course in the Balkan music and Western Anatolia music.
During his years in the Bosphorus University, Department of Psychology which he entered in 1983, he was attracted to the folk music of different peoples of the world. Although he first focused on contemporary Greek music (Laika) and Rebetica, his affinity for other peoples' folk music ultimately led him to find his main course in the Balkan music and Western Anatolia music.
Muammer Ketencoğlu and his Zeybek Ensemble
The ensemble consists of seven musicians: The musical director, accordionist, composer and vocalist Muammer Ketencoglu; guitarist, composer and arranger Cengiz Onural; violinist and singer Mithat Arisoy, oud player and teacher Erdem Senturk, percussionist Rahmi Gocmen, vocalists Ivi Dermanci and Stelyo Berber. Carrying the common musical tradition of Western Anatolia ( Asia Minor) to stage. the ensemble performs Turkish and Greek folk songs, Izmir style rebetikos and zeybeks (Zeybek is a folk music and dance form originated in Western Anatolia and performed by only Turkish and Greek musicians today.) The ensemble was known as Kompania Ketencoglu which performed only rebetiko music until 2003.
Having given many concerts in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara and especially in the western coast of Turkey, the ensemble took stage in many festivals in Greece; in Athens, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Veria, Xhanti, Komotini and Crete; in Germany; in Berlin, Bielefeld, Frankfurt; in France; in Paris and Metz besides its participation at Bozar, Fine Arts Palace in Brussels in 2004.
Having given many concerts in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara and especially in the western coast of Turkey, the ensemble took stage in many festivals in Greece; in Athens, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Veria, Xhanti, Komotini and Crete; in Germany; in Berlin, Bielefeld, Frankfurt; in France; in Paris and Metz besides its participation at Bozar, Fine Arts Palace in Brussels in 2004.
- Muammer Ketencoglu - Musical director, accordion, vocals
- Cengiz Onural - Guitar
- Erdem Senturk - Oud
- Ozgur Koban - Violin
- Rahmi Gocmen - Percussions
- Deniz Ketencoglu - Vocals
- Panagiota Mihalevi - Vocals
