Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Turkey

Birth

:

1966 in Bursa, Turkey

 

Mercan Dede is a Turkish-Canadian composer, musician, and producer who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Born in Bursa, Turkey in 1966, Dede grew up in a family of Sufi musicians and was exposed to traditional Turkish music from a young age. He began playing the ney, a traditional Turkish flute, at the age of seven and later learned to play the darbuka, a type of drum. Dede's interest in music led him to study at the Istanbul Technical University's Turkish Music State Conservatory, where he focused on classical Turkish music. He also studied Western classical music and jazz, which would later influence his own compositions. After completing his studies, Dede began performing with various Turkish music ensembles and became known for his innovative approach to traditional music. In the early 1990s, Dede moved to Montreal, Canada, where he continued to perform and began to experiment with electronic music. He formed the group Mercan Dede & Secret Tribe, which blended traditional Turkish music with electronic beats and ambient sounds. The group's debut album, "Sufi Dreams," was released in 1998 and received critical acclaim. Dede's music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of world music, trance, and techno. He released several more albums with Secret Tribe, including "Nar" (2001), "Journeys of a Sufi" (2003), and "800" (2007). His music has been described as a fusion of ancient and modern, traditional and contemporary, and has been praised for its spiritual and meditative qualities. In addition to his work with Secret Tribe, Dede has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and artists from around the world. He has performed with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Istanbul Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has also worked with artists such as Peter Murphy, Azam Ali, and Omar Faruk Tekbilek. Dede's music has been featured in films, television shows, and video games, including the popular video game "Assassin's Creed Revelations." He has also composed music for dance performances and theater productions. Throughout his career, Dede has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 2001, he was awarded the UNESCO Prize for the Promotion of the Arts, and in 2006, he received the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Grand Prize for Music. He has also been recognized for his humanitarian work, including his efforts to promote peace and understanding between different cultures. In addition to his music career, Dede is also a writer and philosopher. He has published several books on Sufism and spirituality, including "The Breath of the Compassionate" and "The Secret of the Seven Sounds." Today, Dede continues to perform and record music, and his influence on the world of classical music is undeniable. His innovative approach to traditional music has inspired countless musicians and has helped to bridge cultural divides.

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