Burhan Ocal, a Turkish multi-instrumentalist and composer, will be performing Sunday at the Southern Theatre with his Gypsy band, the Istanbul Oriental Ensemble.
Ocal, who is in the middle of his second U.S. tour, said American audiences have been consistently responsive to his style of music.
“They enjoy it,” Ocal said. “The experience is always good, and we’ve sold out almost every show.”
Ocal finds every show unique. He welcomes the challenge of performing on a foreign continent because he believes it offers a different mentality concerning the music. He is always glad to see audiences taking part in the shows and having fun.
The performance is being brought to Columbus by the Columbus Association for Performing Arts. Kelly Boggs, spokeswoman for CAPA, said this performance will be a great experience for world music enthusiasts and those interested in being exposed to new music.
“He’s a sought after performer and one of the greatest percussionists in the world,” Boggs said. “Columbus audiences deserve to hear him.”
She also hopes that the performance will draw a large college crowd because student tickets can be purchased at half price.
“This show will be of particular interest to people who like music with soul and virtuosity,” she said.
Ocal said his desire to preserve the traditional styles of Gypsy folk music can be attributed to his exposure to Gypsy people and culture in his home town at a young age.
Despite adhering to a traditional style in much of his music, Ocal’s compositions are largely original and involve elements of jazz improvisation written material.
The shows have a loose format, and usually begin with the band playing a piece and basing the rest of its performance on the audience’s reaction, said Kay McCavic, Ocal’s tour manager.
“He talks a bit, and encourages them,” McCavic said.
She said the performances have been drawing a diverse crowd, including many college students.
“It seems like a lot of college students come in not too sure about it, but leave knowing they definitely like it,” McCavic said.
During the performances, Ocal plays percussion instruments such as the darbouka, a finger and hand drum. He also takes time in between songs to tell the audience a bit about the instruments his band uses, such as the zither, lute, violin and clarinet.
Ocal expresses interest in many types of music other than 18th and 19th century Gypsy music. He has collaborated with multiple artists, playing and composing a variety of styles including classical, jazz, pop and electronic.
The performance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $21.75 to $35.75. Student tickets are half price with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at the Ohio and Palace Theatre ticket offices or at any Ticketmaster location.
