Work of the Week - Fazil Say: Wind Quintet "Alevi Dedeler rakı masasında"

Throughout the 2010/2011 concert season, Turkish composer-pianist Fazil Say has been artist in residence at the prestigious Konzerthaus Berlin. During his partnership with the concert hall, Say has been involved with no less than 13 concerts in a variety of capacities including composer, concerto soloist and solo pianist and the response that the audience has given Say is so great that the series has been sold out months in advance.

This is also the case for a concert on 1st April titled "the pianist is listening" in which Fazil Say’s new Wind Quintet "Alevi Dedeler raký masasýnda" ("Alevi fathers at the raki table") will receive its world premiere performed by Pirmin Grehl (flute), Szilvia Pápao (oboe), Ralf Forster (clarinet), Premysl Vojta (horn) and Michael von Schönermark (bassoon).

I have not really worked with wind players until now though for the past few years I have regularly given chamber music recitals with Sabine Meyer, who often performs in Istanbul, Munich and Dortmund. Our programme on the 1st April contains mainly French works and it is here that my first wind quintet will be performed. A residency gives unique opportunities to try new things. (Fazil Say)

Another highlight of the season will be the farewell concert on 9th June which runs simultaneously in different concert spaces into the night. The evening will include Say's piano concerto Silk Road, solo performances by Say and a variety of classical, jazz and club music.

• Fazil Say - Profile
• Homepage of the Konzerthaus Berlin

photo: Konzerthaus Berlin / Christian Nielinger