The renowned ensemble Constantinople presents Fleeting Beauties at Kapalı Çarşı, Kürkçüler Kapısı on Sunday 21 June as part of the 54th Istanbul Music Festival from IKSV. This performance brings together the musical traditions of Renaissance Italy with the intricate modal systems of Ottoman and Persian heritage, creating a dialogue that spans centuries and geographies. Set within a space historically defined by cultural and commercial exchange, the concert is notable for its focus on the ephemeral nature of sound, treating music as a shared, living moment that transforms through the meeting of disparate traditions. Tickets are available via Passo.
Founded in Montreal by Kiya Tabassian, Constantinople has spent over two decades exploring the intersections of early music and global traditions. The ensemble is recognized for its scholarly yet deeply intuitive approach to repertoire, often bridging the gap between written Western scores and the oral traditions of the East. Their discography, including acclaimed projects like Metamorfosi and Horizons, reflects a commitment to finding common ground between the Mediterranean and Central Asia. By utilizing period instruments such as the setar, viola da gamba, and kanun, they create a sonic palette that feels both ancient and remarkably contemporary.
The ensemble’s work is characterized by a restless curiosity and a refusal to treat historical music as a static artifact. Instead, they prioritize improvisation and the fluid exchange of ideas between performers, a method that mirrors the historical reality of the Silk Road. This philosophy has led to collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds, further enriching their sound and expanding the boundaries of early music performance. Their career milestones include appearances at major international festivals and a reputation for creating immersive, atmospheric experiences that resonate with a modern, globally minded audience.
On stage, Constantinople operates with a quiet, focused intensity that highlights the delicate textures of their instrumentation. The performance at Kapalı Çarşı, Kürkçüler Kapısı offers a setting that suits the fragile and shared nature of the music, allowing the acoustics of the historic architecture to become an active participant in the sound. Providing a rare opportunity to witness a musical meeting that is as much about the future of cultural exchange as it is about the past, offering a night where sounds meet, transform, and leave a lasting trace on the listener.
For more information, follow the 54th Istanbul Music Festival. Tickets are available via Passo.
Kapalı Çarşı, Kürkçüler Kapısı
