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Havan is a remarkable music project where
ud, harp and cello meet in harmony.
These three beautiful instruments express their
long-lived traditions -- rooted both in classical,
as well as folk music -- in characteristic and
original ways. The echo of their sound spans from
Western Europe to Turkey and the Middle East .
Havan is a trio based in Amsterdam; it was founded
in 2008 by Mehmet Polat. Their music blends elements
of Ottoman classical music, Western classical harmony,
and Anatolian folk songs; the resulting mix is
interpreted with a contemporary approach,
and it is integrated with additions that are more
modern in taste. Dowland’s immortal songs,
among others, are rearranged for ud, which gives
them a distinct Oriental flavor. Havan play also
contemporary compositions written by Mehmet Polat
and Dutch modern composers.
The word “havan” carries several meanings:
in Turkey , it usually refers to “a plate for mixing herbs
and grinding spices”, whereas in India it defines
“a fire ritual accompanied by the chanting of the
sacred Vedic mantras for a communal or common purpose”.
Havan’s members successfully combine the 12 tones
found in Western equal temperament with the subtle
microtonal nuances of Turkish makams. They add
ornamentation elements taken from Persian, Arabic,
Balkan, and Spanish flamenco music, along with
rhythm patterns inspired by these incredibly rich
music traditions.
Havan members hold master degrees from prestigious
Dutch conservatories; they have played and collaborated
with the Nederlands Blazers Ensemble, Theo Loevendie,
the Gelders Orchestra, the Noord Brabant Orchestra,
Ernst Reijseger, Erica Waardenburg and many others.
Havan will participate in the WOMEX World Music Expo
2009 in Copenhagen .
Besides, they are currently recording their first studio
album, which will be released in 2010.
Line-up:
Mehmet Polat - Ud
Mirjam Rietberg - Harp
Bence Huszar - Cello
www.myspace.com/havantrio
Info@mehmetpolat.net
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