"The multiculturalism is not touristy, but rather sophisticated, informed, internalized" The Boston Globe
EPK for the album entitled “An Elegant Ritual” – official release date July 16, 2021 on DÜNYA www.dunyainc.org – www.sanlikol.com
This trio album is modeled after the structure of a Sufi whirling (Mevlevi) dervish ritual (ayin), with influences from John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme”.
According to some, Rumi composed some of the most beautiful mystical poetry ever written after the murder of Shams (his beloved teacher and friend) by the people of Konya who were jealous of their close relationship.
Composed by Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol
Performed by Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol & Whatsnext? featuring Dave Liebman and conducted by Ken Schaphorst
from “THE RISE UP: Stories of Strife, Struggle and Inspiration”
Video directed by Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol, edited by Christo Tsiaras
Symphony for Strings, Percussion, Piano, Oud, Ney, and Tenor
Composed by Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol
Commissioned by A Far Cry
Performed by A Far Cry, Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol and George Lernis
Recorded at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Jamaica Plain (September 22, 2018)
EPK for the album entitled “The Rise Up” – official release date August 21, 2020 on DÜNYA www.dunyainc.org – www.sanlikol.com
“THE RISE UP: Stories of Strife, Struggle and Inspiration ” is an extended programmatic piece for jazz orchestra conducted by Ken Schaphorst.
Orchestra with soloist
(excerpt)
Composed by Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol
Text: Edip Harabi (1853-1917)
Commissioned by Carnegie Hall / ACO
Performed by American Composers Orchestra
George Manahan, Music Director and Conductor
Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol, Vocals and Ud
Recorded by American Composers Orchestra live on April 1, 2016 at Zankel Hall in the program Orchestra Underground: Eastern Wind – www.americancomposersorchestra.org
“Embracing an Uncomfortable Globalism”
I grew up in Turkey playing classical and Jazz piano while championing Western ideals. However, all of what I thought to be true was defeated by a simple Turkish folk song 7 years after my arrival in the US, which sparked a curiosity that resulted in a decade long period of internalization of Turkish music, history and culture. From this decade, I feel that I came out as a composer who can ‘speak’ multiple musical languages by not reducing or standardizing but fully honoring them.
Jazz Orchestra with soloist
Composed by Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol
Performed by Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol & Whatsnext? featuring Anat Cohen from “Resolution” – released on Sept. 23, 2016
More info under the Whatsnext? tab
String Orchestra
Commissioned by A Far Cry string orchestra. Composed in 2012.
This recording features A Far Cry at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (September 9, 2012).
Chamber Ensemble
Composed for A Story of the City: Constantinople, Istanbul production (2008).
featuring,
Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol, piano, aulos
Eylem Başaldı, violin
Beth Bahia Cohen, violin
Peter Hanley, violin
Sam Dechenne, trumpet
Patriq Moody, trumpet
Bertram Lehmann, nekkare
Ekin Cengizkan, nekkare
Cem Mutlu, kös