There is a self within myself
A theatrical concert based on Rumi
Concerto Copenhagen
Aylin Sezer - Soprano
Hakan Uyrum - Turkish Ney
Emma Farnell-Watson - Dance
European tour 2025-2026
'There is a self within myself’,
merges the poetic works of the Sufi mystic Rumi from the 13th century with the rich sound of a baroque ensemble, traditional Turkish instruments, percussion and a soprano's voice. Additionally, a dance performance enhances the show by interpreting Rumi's profound words. The production delves into the themes of love, yearning, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment. The character of the music is distinctly lyrical, interspersed with highly virtuosic passages, and moves from echoes of traditional Ottoman music, complete silence, to a grand monumental sound world.
Aylin Sezer
Soprano
The Turkish-Dutch soprano Aylin Sezer studied singing at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. She continued her studies at the Dutch National Opera Academy, where she graduated with the distinction of "exceptional artistic quality". She was a finalist at the Leyla Gencer Voice Competition 2010 in Istanbul. She won the Schaunard Award 2017 and the HOTIAD Award for Turkish Artist of the Year.
Hakan Uyrum
Ney
Hakan Ronas Uyrum, born in Amsterdam, fell in love with the sound of the Ney at a very young age. He received Ney lessons in Istanbul with Mustafa Hakan Alvan and in 2015 he was admitted to the conservatory of Rotterdam where he was the student of the legendary Kudsi Erguner. Hakan is considered of being the most talented Ney player of his generation. He is a regular member of the Tevazu Sufi Music Ensemble and the Amsterdam Andalusian orchestra.
Emma Farnell-Watson
Choreography and Dance
Emma is a British dancer based in London. She trained for two years at London Contemporary Dance School, before leaving in 2016 to join Jasmin Vardimon Company as an apprentice for productions Tannhäuser (Royal Opera House) and Pinocchio.
In 2013 she worked with Jasmin through National Youth Dance Company, and Cameron McMillan through English National Ballet Youth Company.
Emma received the 2015 Cohan Scholarship for Outstanding Potential as a Performer.
Recent performing credits include DJ Tiesto, Underworld and Corners of the Earth music videos, BBC Life in Squares and BBC4 Young Dancer Competition, as well as working with choreographers Charlie Edmonds, Richard Chappell, Dane Hurst, and Alexander Whitley.
Concerto Copenhagen
Concerto Copenhagen is considered one of the most prominent Baroque ensembles in the world. The company consists of the most talented musicians from seven different countries.
Instrumentation:
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
Horn
Percussion
Lute/Theorbo/Oud
Soprano
Violin
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double bass
Ney
Qanûn (Cymbalon)
Staff
Stage director: Johan Klint Sandberg
Video:
Artistic leader, composer and concept: Rijndert van Woudenberg
Impresario: De Vries Artists