PERA ENSEMBLE

Early Music | Where Orient Meets Occident

The Pera Ensemble, winner of the prestigious ECHO Klassik Award in the category „Classics Without Borders“, stands as a globally unique benchmark in historical performance practice. Unrivaled in its constellation and artistic vision across Germany, Europe, and worldwide, the ensemble illuminates deep historical and cultural connections between East and West, bringing them to life in captivating concert programs at major international halls and festivals.

Under the artistic direction of Mehmet C. Yeşilçay, European Baroque traditions seamlessly converse with the courtly repertoire of the Ottoman Empire—delivering a profound sonic experience for classical enthusiasts, crossover audiences, and cultural institutions alike.

Sound Architecture & Instrumentation

What defines the Pera Ensemble is its rare, virtuosic dialog between two distinct musical worlds:

European Period Specialists: Masterful historical execution on harpsichord, theorbo, baroque violin, viola da gamba, and baroque oboe.
Ottoman Instrumental Masters: Authentic, expressive textures provided by the Ney (reed flute), Kanun (zither), Ud (lute), Kemence, and historical percussion.

Milestone Productions

The ensemble’s repertoire ranges from intimate chamber setups to large-scale staged opera pasticcios and sacred cross-cultural works:

ARMIDA: An intercultural opera pasticcio and musical collage exploring Baroque theatrical myths.
La Fête du Sérail: Reimagining 18th-century European opera encounters with Ottoman court music.
Psalms of David (1 GOD): A profound interfaith musical project weaving sacred texts and psalms across traditions.