Bağlama and Symphony United - World Premiere Cologne Philharmonie 1996

In November 1996, the stage of the Cologne Philharmonie witnessed a landmark moment in music history. Hasan Yükselir brought together the Bağlama, one of the most distinctive instruments of Anatolian music culture, with a European symphony orchestra for the first time — a project that broke new ground in the international music world. The concert took place on a single evening and consisted of two parts: The first part, “Anatolian Songs – Concert for Piano and Orchestra,” was followed by “Concertino for Three Bağlamas and Orchestra.” Both compositions were written, arranged, and performed by Hasan Yükselir.

At the world premiere on November 17, 1996, the Cologne Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Betin Güneş shared the stage with Bağlama virtuosos Arif Sağ, Erol Parlak, and Erdal Erzincan. In a completely sold-out hall, an audience from diverse cultural backgrounds witnessed the historic moment when Anatolian melodies and Western harmony met for the first time in a symphonic setting.

Folk songs by Dadaloğlu, Pir Sultan, Aşık Veysel, and Köroğlu resonated in orchestral arrangements enriched by Hasan Yükselir’s deep, powerful bass voice. The performance became a symbol of the artistic synthesis between Eastern and Western musical traditions — a milestone of intercultural dialogue brought to life through music. The event was organized by the Federation of Alevi Communities in Europe (AABF), the Turkey–Germany Cultural Forum, and the Arkadaş Theater Cologne, under the patronage of German President Roman Herzog and with the kind support of the Ministry of Urban Development, Culture and Sports of North Rhine-Westphalia.

This project is regarded as the first international work to unite Anatolian folk music and Western classical tradition in symphonic form. Through this composition, Hasan Yükselir established a lasting cultural bridge, emphasizing the unifying and universal power of music.

“Music is universal – the most beautiful language in the world. It does not divide, it unites.”

🎥 Concert Video: Hasan Yükselir & Cologne Symphony Orchestra – “Güzelliğin On Para Etmez”
(Live at the Cologne Philharmonie, 1996)

Bağlama and Symphony United - Evrensel / 07.05.1996

“Cologne – Last Sunday evening, the Cologne Philharmonie was introduced to a new sound. Under the direction of Betin Güneş, the Cologne Symphony Orchestra accompanied Bağlama masters Arif Sağ, Erdal Erzincan, and Erol Parlak. The Anatolian melodies, which until now had only been heard with the Saz,
embraced the Western orchestra.”

Information:

ANATOLIAN SONGS – Concert for Piano and Orchestra
Composition, Arrangement, Adaptation & Soloist: Hasan Yükselir
Orchestra: Cologne Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Betin Güneş

CONCERTINO FOR THREE BAĞLAMAS AND ORCHESTRA
Composition, Arrangement & Adaptation: Hasan Yükselir
Bağlamas: Arif Sağ, Erol Parlak, Erdal Erzincan
Orchestra: Cologne Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Betin Güneş

With the kind support of the Ministry of Urban Development, Culture and Sports of North Rhine-Westphalia.

🎬 Video Link: YouTube – Hasan Yükselir & Cologne Symphony Orchestra – “Güzelliğin On Para Etmez” (1996)