Muharrem Aslan - Sounds of Anatolia (Melbourne)

MUHARREM ASLAN — SOUNDS OF ANATOLIA Live at Club Voltaire, Melbourne Experience an intimate solo performance by Muharrem Aslan, where the bağlama unfolds layered melodies, modal colour, intricate rhythms and contemporary sonic exploration rooted in Anatolian tradition. Aslan presents a program blending original compositions with contemporary interpretations, exploring the evolving language of the bağlama and its distinctive microtonal expression. The concert will also feature music from Aslan’s new album, 10 Songs. 10 Rhythms. 1 Journey., with its official release on 30 October. The album explores ten original compositions through ten distinct rhythmic structures, with selected works from the album featured as part of the evening’s program. Central to Aslan’s musical approach is fourtemolo, a technique he developed that enables two independent melodic lines to be performed simultaneously on the bağlama, expanding the instrument’s sonic range and musical vocabulary. Sounds of Anatolia presents tradition not as a fixed form, but as a living and evolving musical language—one that carries memory while opening pathways to new artistic possibilities. About the Artist Muharrem Aslan is a vocalist, bağlama virtuoso, composer, and multidisciplinary musician whose work bridges Anatolian musical traditions with contemporary approaches. Born in Elbistan, Türkiye, he developed his practice through a largely self-directed path before expanding his career across Türkiye, the UK, and Australia. His music explores modal structures, poetic settings, and cross-cultural collaboration, often bringing the bağlama into dialogue with diverse musical forms. In recent years, he has focused on expanding the instrument’s expressive possibilities, most notably through his development of Fourtemolo. Alongside his artistic work, Aslan has undertaken formal studies in music and creative music therapy in Sydney. His evolving body of work reflects a commitment to reimagining tradition as a living, contemporary practice. Doors 7:00pm Set times: 7:30 PM – 9:15 PM