Ross Boissoneau introduces us to an international contemporary quartet, Barbara Furtuna, performing alongside internationally-recognized music group Constantinople at a Traverse City event on Wednesday, October 28. This Northern Michigan music event is a collaborative program of the Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Dennos Museum Center.


Artist

Barbara Furtuna and Constantinople

How They Got Their Start

The Corsican vocal quartet Barbara Furtuna formed in 2004 to explore the traditional music of the French island of Corsica. The group still finds its inspiration in the island’s oldest traditions while also performing contemporary and original music. While it traditionally performs a capella, it sometimes works with other musical groups, such as Constantinople. Iranian expats Kiya and Ziya Tabassian formed Constantinople 17 years ago in Montreal. Kiya plays setar, sings and composes, while Ziya plays tombak and other percussive instruments. In 2008 the brothers invited viola da gamba player Pierre-Yves Martel to the ensemble.

Style

Corsican polyphony, traditional Persian music, contemporary and Baroque stylings

Influences and Inspirations

Early music, world music, improvised music from the Renaissance to the Middle East

Constantinople

Montreal Music Group, Constantinople

Additional Background

Polyphonic songs in Corsica are performed without instrumentation and can be either spiritual (such as hymns, motets, and funereal songs) or secular. Some brotherhoods of polyphonic singers (traditionally the songs were sung only by men) date back to the 12th century. The tradition of Corsican polyphonic singing had nearly become extinct until its revival in the 1970s; Barbara Furtuna is one of the groups resulting from the revival.

Constantinople melds music from past traditions and global influences. It frequently collaborates with other musicians, including vocalists from classical, folk and world traditions, string players, percussionists and wind players, from individuals to ensembles.

Besides being a collaboration between two musical groups, this concert is a collaboration between Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Dennos Museum at Northwestern Michigan College.

Quotes

“These artists transported us a long way. Far into time, into space … and with such great ease. Bravo!” – L’Union (France)

“Constantinople presented a convincing evening of exquisite music-making.” –  Vancouver Sun (Canada)

Venue

Milliken Auditorium in Traverse City

Date & Time

Wednesday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket Information

Tickets start at $27 and can be purchased at MyNorthTickets.com.

Buy Tickets Now

For More

Barbara-Furtuna.fr
Constantinople.ca


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