| About
Okotécho guides the listener into a sonic world brimming with hope, aspiration, and lyricism found in the exceptional interlude between the Middle East, Arboriginal and the West. Under the artistic direction of composer Katia Makdissi-Warren, Okotécho explores mixed music and musical sounds through its own compositions.
Didem Başar
Kanun player
Presentation
Didem Başar was born into a family steeped in music. She began her music education at the Istanbul Technical University Turkish Music State Conservatory at the age of 11. After completing her studies in the Kanun department, she pursued further training at the same university and earned her Bachelor's Degree in composition in 1995. Her interest in exploring the societal impact of art led her to complete a Master's Degree in the musical analysis of Mevlevi Music at Marmara University. From 2001 until her move to Canada in 2007, she lectured on Turkish music and kanun playing techniques at Haliç University Turkish Music Conservatory and Istanbul University State Conservatory. Her relocation to Montreal provided her with the opportunity to reinterpret her music in this vibrant new environment shaped by the dynamic convergence of diverse cultures from around the world. She has been with Oktoecho since 2012.