A cross-cultural concert from Anatolia to Europe, exploring rich folk-inspired music.

Turkish pianist Pinar Çelik Warsi and Welsh cellist Ben Tarlton invite audiences on a cross-cultural musical journey, exploring folk-inspired works from Anatolia to Europe.

This evocative recital, presented by Yunus Emre Institute, brings together a rich repertoire shaped by the musical traditions of Türkiye, Hungary, Spain, England, France and Germany.

Featuring works by Özkan Manav, Ahmed Adnan Saygun, Béla Bartók, Manuel de Falla, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Robert Schumann, and Claude Debussy, the programme highlights how composers have drawn from folk music to create distinctive and deeply expressive musical languages.

Throughout the concert, brief spoken introductions will offer insights into the pieces, including the regional origins of folk melodies and the composers’ engagement with traditional music. Particular attention will be given to the significant fieldwork of Ahmed Adnan Saygun and Béla Bartók in Anatolia, shedding light on the cultural connections that shape this repertoire.

Pinar Çelik Warsi

Pinar Çelik Warsi was born in Istanbul and began her musical studies at Istanbul Anatolian Fine Arts High School before continuing at Istanbul University State Conservatory with Professor Meral Yapal. After graduating with honours, she pursued advanced studies at the Royal Northern College of Music and later at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

She has performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician in Turkey and internationally, appearing in major venues such as Cemal Rejit Rey Concert Hall, Sanat, Atatürk Cultural Centre, and Steinway Haus Düsseldorf. She has collaborated with leading orchestras including the Istanbul and Adana State Symphony Orchestras. Her international career has taken her across Europe, including performances in Germany, Italy, North Macedonia, and the UK. She is also an award-winning pianist and an experienced educator.

Ben Tarlton

London-based cellist Ben Tarlton enjoys a diverse career as a soloist, chamber musician, teacher, and festival director. He has performed at leading venues including Wigmore Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Cadogan Hall, and the Barbican Hall, and has appeared in BBC Radio 3 broadcasts.

A graduate of the Yehudi Menuhin School and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Ben has received numerous awards and recognitions. His performances have been praised for their precision and insight, and he continues to collaborate internationally across a wide range of projects. As of June 2026, he will join the award-winning Mithras Trio. He performs on a William Forster cello, generously loaned by the Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain.

Programme

Part I

• Welcome and introduction: Özkan Manav

• Özkan Manav

• Robert Schumann

• Ralph Vaughan Williams

Interval (20 minutes)

Part II

• Ahmed Adnan Saygun – Meseli and Horon (solo piano)

• Introduction: Saygun & Bartók in Anatolia

• Béla Bartók

• Manuel de Falla

• Claude Debussy

The concert will last approximately 90 minutes, there will be a 20min interval, and is presented in two parts.

Further notes

The concert is recommended for ages 16 and above due to its immersive and contemplative format.

Children aged 7 and above may attend if accompanied by an adult and provided they are able to remain seated and quiet throughout the performance.

Parents are kindly asked to ensure that young attendees do not disturb performers or audience members. In the event of disruption, we reserve the right to request that the accompanying adult and child step outside the hall.

*This concert takes place on 23 April, celebrated in Türkiye as National Sovereignty and Children’s Day—a day dedicated to children, culture, and the future. We are delighted to mark this meaningful occasion through this evening of music.

About Yunus Emre Enstitüsü 

Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London serves as a vibrant hub for Turkish culture in the heart of the UK. As a cornerstone of cultural engagement, we bring the richness of Türkiye’s traditional and contemporary arts to life through a wide array of programs, events, and language courses.