Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
From Istanbul to Helsinki, Melisa Yıldırım’s musical path is a captivating journey through tradition, improvisation and bold personal expression. https://www.genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
In our very first episode of Uncovering Music IDs, we dive into Melisa’s world: her deep-rooted connection to the Anatolian Kamancha, her meditative approach to improvisation, and how ancient Alevi and Sufi traditions flow through her contemporary sound. Through performance and heartfelt conversation, we explore how identity, culture and creativity intertwine in her music.
Melisa Yıldırım is an award-winning Anatolian Kamancha player, composer, and improviser. Born into a family with Alevi cultural heritage in Istanbul, she now lives and works in Helsinki, collaborating with international artists and pushing boundaries with new instrumental designs and sonic explorations. Her music blends Anatolian folk, spiritual and Sufi influences, and experimental world music. She is currently conducting her artistic research at the Sibelius Academy, where she focuses on ancient yogic deep listening and improvisation.
More about Melisa's work: melisayildirim.com/home
Follow Melisa on Instagram: instagram.com/melisakamancha
Uncovering Music IDs is brought to you by Genelec – in collaboration with @SibeliusAcademy’s Global Music programme – and hosted by @MehrnooshZolfaghari, a renowned composer and musician passionate about cross-cultural storytelling. The podcast brings you exclusive interviews, unique performances and behind-the-scenes insights into the lives of remarkable artists from around the world.
Stay tuned! In the next episode, we’ll meet our next inspiring guest with another powerful musical journey, Pianist, Composer and Singer, Merve Abdurrahmani.
To learn more, visit genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
From Istanbul to Helsinki, Melisa Yıldırım’s musical path is a captivating journey through tradition, improvisation and bold personal expression. https://www.genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
In our very first episode of Uncovering Music IDs, we dive into Melisa’s world: her deep-rooted connection to the Anatolian Kamancha, her meditative approach to improvisation, and how ancient Alevi and Sufi traditions flow through her contemporary sound. Through performance and heartfelt conversation, we explore how identity, culture and creativity intertwine in her music.
Melisa Yıldırım is an award-winning Anatolian Kamancha player, composer, and improviser. Born into a family with Alevi cultural heritage in Istanbul, she now lives and works in Helsinki, collaborating with international artists and pushing boundaries with new instrumental designs and sonic explorations. Her music blends Anatolian folk, spiritual and Sufi influences, and experimental world music. She is currently conducting her artistic research at the Sibelius Academy, where she focuses on ancient yogic deep listening and improvisation.
More about Melisa's work: melisayildirim.com/home
Follow Melisa on Instagram: instagram.com/melisakamancha
Uncovering Music IDs is brought to you by Genelec – in collaboration with @SibeliusAcademy’s Global Music programme – and hosted by @MehrnooshZolfaghari, a renowned composer and musician passionate about cross-cultural storytelling. The podcast brings you exclusive interviews, unique performances and behind-the-scenes insights into the lives of remarkable artists from around the world.
Stay tuned! In the next episode, we’ll meet our next inspiring guest with another powerful musical journey, Pianist, Composer and Singer, Merve Abdurrahmani.
To learn more, visit genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
