Westernization in the Ottoman Empire began under Sultan Selim III during a period marked by significant social upheaval. The dissolution of the Janissary band around 1800 ushered in a new era of Turkish music. The adoption of Western musical forms introduced novel compositional and performance styles to Turkey.

To present the works of this era internationally, Nermin Kaygusuz founded the Nermin Ensemble for Turkish Music, now known as Nevsada Türk Müzigi Toplulugu. Nermin is a lecturer at the State Conservatory of Turkish Music at Istanbul Technical University. Nevsada interprets the styles that have become part of Turkish music in a way that does not alter the original structure of classical Turkish music. Polyphonic variations emphasize the innovative spirit of the pieces.
 
The ensemble consists of five musicians, most of whom have academic training. They are performers and teachers of Turkish music. All have extensive concert experience, including at the Istanbul Music Festival 2024 and at the Funkhaus in Istanbul’s sister city, Cologne, in 2025. Their instruments include the rare kemençe and the kanun. The musicians not only perform the music but also provide information about the eras, composers, and works featured. Upon request, they are happy to engage with the audience.

A concert in cooperation with the Wiesbaden-Istanbul/Fatih partnership.