Genre

:

Chamber

 

Constantinople is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1998 by Kiya Tabassian, a musician and composer from Iran. The ensemble is based in Montreal, Canada, and is known for its unique blend of classical Persian and Ottoman music with Western classical music. The ensemble's main members include Kiya Tabassian on the setar (a Persian lute), Ziya Tabassian on the percussion, Pierre-Yves Martel on the viola da gamba, and Andrew Wells-Oberegger on the baroque violin. The ensemble also collaborates with various guest musicians and vocalists from different cultural backgrounds. One of the highlights of Constantinople's career was their performance at the 2006 Montreal Baroque Festival, where they presented a program titled "The Routes of Slavery." The program explored the musical traditions of the African diaspora and their influence on Western classical music. The ensemble received critical acclaim for their performance, and the program was later recorded and released as an album. In 2011, Constantinople collaborated with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra to present a program titled "The East Meets the West." The program featured works by composers from the Middle East and Europe, including Rameau, Vivaldi, and Tabassian. The ensemble received a standing ovation for their performance, and the program was later broadcast on CBC Radio. Constantinople has also received numerous awards and nominations for their recordings. Their album "Passages" was nominated for a Juno Award in 2015, and their album "Jardins Migrateurs" won the Opus Award for Best World Music Album in 2016. In addition to their performances and recordings, Constantinople is also involved in educational and community outreach programs. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for students and musicians, and they have also collaborated with various community organizations to promote cultural diversity and understanding. Overall, Constantinople is a unique and innovative ensemble that has successfully blended different musical traditions to create a new and exciting sound. Their performances and recordings have received critical acclaim, and their commitment to education and community outreach has made them an important cultural institution in Montreal and beyond.

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