Ottoman Baroque

Spellbinding visions of unity and peace.

Beautiful, graceful, peaceful – the Whirling Dervishes of the Sufi Mevlevi Order from Konya, Turkey join the Brandenburg onstage. The lights dim and the mystic ceremony begins. The sounds of the Ottoman instruments, rare, pure and ravishing, the choral sounds of the Brandenburg Choir chanting the poems of Jalaluddin Rumi, the exotic mystic poet whose combination of richness and bold adaptations of music poetry form the key to his popularity today.

Ottoman Baroque will be mesmerising and spine-tingling. This unique concert experience spurs from a meeting of minds between Serhat Sarpel, Hakan Talu and Paul Dyer in Istanbul, where together they devised a program following the path of an ancient 16th century Ottoman manuscript by Albert Bobowski (Ali Ufki).

In a rare appearance in Australia, the concert will reach a climax with the Whirling Dervishes spinning gracefully into a trance as they purify their heart to commune with the divine in this unique Sufi ceremony. Don’t miss Ottoman Baroque – it will sell out!

Please note: Lock out periods apply. Following the commencement of the performance no entry or re-entry into the auditorium will be permitted until interval. Please arrive on time to avoid disappointment. 

Haze will be in use during this performance. 

With respect for the quiet reflection of fellow audience members please refrain from applauding following the Sema Ceremony.

• Program

  Pasticcio inspired by the meeting of Baroque worlds, culminating with customary meditation practice performed with the Whirling Dervishes

• Artists

  Serhat Sarpel

  (Turkey) Music Director

  Hakan Talu

  (Turkey) Director Trad. Turkish Music

  Whirling Dervishes

  (Semazen) of the Mevlevi Order with

  Mystic Musicians

  (Mitrip) of Turkey

  Australian Brandenburg Orchestra