Dialogos
More than 800 years ago, Francis of Assisi walked barefoot and unarmed from the crusaders’ camp in Egypt to the camp of “the enemy.” He went there to meet Sultan Malik al-Kamil. For three days, Francis and Malik al-Kamil spoke together, without being carried away by the hostility and violence of their contemporaries. They engaged in spiritual conversations and recognized in each other a longing for peace. Sultan Malik al-Kamil and Francis did something radically different from what the spirit of their time dictated. They broke the cycle of violence.
This extraordinary encounter is the starting point of the musical exchange between the musicians of Constantinople and those of Holland Baroque. Together, they sail between old and new music, improvisations and compositions, the distant East and the West. A call for international dialogue and peace.
With their free and open-minded approach, the musicians build bridges between styles and cultures. Driven by tireless curiosity, Holland Baroque approaches the score as an unfinished work of art: with knowledge, virtuosity, imagination, and playfulness, Baroque becomes a new experience. Time and again, the two ensembles demonstrate that curiosity, research, and creativity give rise to unique programmes.
“Kiya Tabassian is indeed a virtuoso and his exquisite playing is never lost; rather it pops through the texture in the most evocative way. As I said: timely, hopeful and sumptuous.” – Gramophone
On stage
Dialogos in concerts
October 2026
02oct20 h 00 minDialogosWhereUtrecht, Netherlands
Event Details
DIALOGOS The Sultan and the bird For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and
Event Details
DIALOGOS
The Sultan and the bird
For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and imaginative early music ensembles, Holland Baroque.
Amid the turmoil of the Crusades, this unexpected dialogue—marked by mutual respect and attentiveness—became a timeless symbol of peace and understanding.
Blending ancient and contemporary musical traditions from both East and West, the two ensembles bring this spiritual legacy to life through a free and daring musical language.
This collaboration transcends borders, celebrates otherness, and invites audiences on an emotional journey where music becomes a bridge between worlds—a celebration of our shared humanity.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
Kiya Tabassian Direction
Holland Baroque
Judith & Tineke Steenbrink Direction
Time
Where
Utrecht, Netherlands
03oct14 h 00 minDialogosWhereAmsterdam, Netherlands
Event Details
DIALOGOS The Sultan and the bird For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and
Event Details
DIALOGOS
The Sultan and the bird
For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and imaginative early music ensembles, Holland Baroque.
Amid the turmoil of the Crusades, this unexpected dialogue—marked by mutual respect and attentiveness—became a timeless symbol of peace and understanding.
Blending ancient and contemporary musical traditions from both East and West, the two ensembles bring this spiritual legacy to life through a free and daring musical language.
This collaboration transcends borders, celebrates otherness, and invites audiences on an emotional journey where music becomes a bridge between worlds—a celebration of our shared humanity.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
Kiya Tabassian Direction
Holland Baroque
Judith & Tineke Steenbrink Direction
Time
Where
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Organizer
04oct16 h 30 minDialogosWhereThe Hague, Netherlands
Event Details
DIALOGOS The Sultan and the bird For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and
Event Details
DIALOGOS
The Sultan and the bird
For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and imaginative early music ensembles, Holland Baroque.
Amid the turmoil of the Crusades, this unexpected dialogue—marked by mutual respect and attentiveness—became a timeless symbol of peace and understanding.
Blending ancient and contemporary musical traditions from both East and West, the two ensembles bring this spiritual legacy to life through a free and daring musical language.
This collaboration transcends borders, celebrates otherness, and invites audiences on an emotional journey where music becomes a bridge between worlds—a celebration of our shared humanity.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
Kiya Tabassian Direction
Holland Baroque
Judith & Tineke Steenbrink Direction
Time
Location
Nieuwe Kerk
Where
The Hague, Netherlands
Organizer
Archives
July 2025
11jul14 h 00 minDialogosWhereBatenburg, Netherlands
Event Details
A Dialogue Between Cultures, Across Centuries and Music Holland Baroque and Constantinople join forces for a unique collaboration inspired by the historical encounter
Event Details
A Dialogue Between Cultures, Across Centuries and Music
Holland Baroque and Constantinople join forces for a unique collaboration inspired by the historical encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malek al-Kamil during the Crusades. Through this act of peace and dialogue, these two figures embodied mutual respect and a deep curiosity for one another—values that our ensembles seek to bring to life today.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
- Kiya Tabassian, setar and artistic direction
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussion
Holland Baroque
Time
Location
Oude of St Victorkerk
Where
Batenburg, Netherlands
Organizer
11jul19 h 00 minDialogosWhereBatenburg, Netherlands
Event Details
A Dialogue Between Cultures, Across Centuries and Music Holland Baroque and Constantinople join forces for a unique collaboration inspired by the historical encounter
Event Details
A Dialogue Between Cultures, Across Centuries and Music
Holland Baroque and Constantinople join forces for a unique collaboration inspired by the historical encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malek al-Kamil during the Crusades. Through this act of peace and dialogue, these two figures embodied mutual respect and a deep curiosity for one another—values that our ensembles seek to bring to life today.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
- Kiya Tabassian, setar and artistic direction
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussion
Holland Baroque
Time
Location
Oude of St Victorkerk
Where
Batenburg, Netherlands
Organizer
October 2025
02oct19 h 30 minDIALOGOSWhereHertogenbosch, Netherlands
Event Details
DIALOGOS The Sultan and the bird For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and
Event Details
DIALOGOS
The Sultan and the bird
For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and imaginative early music ensembles, Holland Baroque.
Amid the turmoil of the Crusades, this unexpected dialogue—marked by mutual respect and attentiveness—became a timeless symbol of peace and understanding.
Blending ancient and contemporary musical traditions from both East and West, the two ensembles bring this spiritual legacy to life through a free and daring musical language.
This collaboration transcends borders, celebrates otherness, and invites audiences on an emotional journey where music becomes a bridge between worlds—a celebration of our shared humanity.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
Kiya Tabassian Direction
Holland Baroque
Judith & Tineke Steenbrink Direction
Time
Where
Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
Organizer
November 2025
20nov20 h 00 minDialogosWhereHaarlem, Netherlands
Event Details
A Dialogue Between Cultures, Across Centuries and Music Holland Baroque and Constantinople join forces for a unique collaboration inspired by the historical encounter
Event Details
A Dialogue Between Cultures, Across Centuries and Music
Holland Baroque and Constantinople join forces for a unique collaboration inspired by the historical encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malek al-Kamil during the Crusades. Through this act of peace and dialogue, these two figures embodied mutual respect and a deep curiosity for one another—values that our ensembles seek to bring to life today.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
- Kiya Tabassian, setar and artistic direction
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussion
Holland Baroque
Time
Where
Haarlem, Netherlands
Organizer
21nov20 h 30 minDialogosWhereUtrecht, Netherlands
Event Details
A Dialogue Between Cultures, Across Centuries and Music Holland Baroque and Constantinople join forces for a unique collaboration inspired by the historical encounter
Event Details
A Dialogue Between Cultures, Across Centuries and Music
Holland Baroque and Constantinople join forces for a unique collaboration inspired by the historical encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malek al-Kamil during the Crusades. Through this act of peace and dialogue, these two figures embodied mutual respect and a deep curiosity for one another—values that our ensembles seek to bring to life today.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
- Kiya Tabassian, setar and artistic direction
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussion
Holland Baroque
Time
Where
Utrecht, Netherlands
Organizer
23nov20 h 15 minDialogosWhereAmsterdam, Netherlands
Event Details
DIALOGOS The Sultan and the bird For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and
Event Details
DIALOGOS
The Sultan and the bird
For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and imaginative early music ensembles, Holland Baroque.
Amid the turmoil of the Crusades, this unexpected dialogue—marked by mutual respect and attentiveness—became a timeless symbol of peace and understanding.
Blending ancient and contemporary musical traditions from both East and West, the two ensembles bring this spiritual legacy to life through a free and daring musical language.
This collaboration transcends borders, celebrates otherness, and invites audiences on an emotional journey where music becomes a bridge between worlds—a celebration of our shared humanity.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
Kiya Tabassian Direction
Holland Baroque
Judith & Tineke Steenbrink Direction
Time
Location
Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ
Where
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Organizer
March 2026
17mar20 h 00 minDIALOGOSWhereQuébec, Canada
Event Details
DIALOGOS The Sultan and the bird For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and
Event Details
DIALOGOS
The Sultan and the bird
For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and imaginative early music ensembles, Holland Baroque.
Amid the turmoil of the Crusades, this unexpected dialogue—marked by mutual respect and attentiveness—became a timeless symbol of peace and understanding.
Blending ancient and contemporary musical traditions from both East and West, the two ensembles bring this spiritual legacy to life through a free and daring musical language.
This collaboration transcends borders, celebrates otherness, and invites audiences on an emotional journey where music becomes a bridge between worlds—a celebration of our shared humanity.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
Kiya Tabassian Direction
Holland Baroque
Judith & Tineke Steenbrink Direction
Time
Location
Grand Théâtre de Québec
Where
Québec, Canada
18mar20 h 00 minDialogosWhereToronto, Canada
Event Details
DIALOGOS The Sultan and the bird For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and
Event Details
DIALOGOS
The Sultan and the bird
For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and imaginative early music ensembles, Holland Baroque.
Amid the turmoil of the Crusades, this unexpected dialogue—marked by mutual respect and attentiveness—became a timeless symbol of peace and understanding.
Blending ancient and contemporary musical traditions from both East and West, the two ensembles bring this spiritual legacy to life through a free and daring musical language.
This collaboration transcends borders, celebrates otherness, and invites audiences on an emotional journey where music becomes a bridge between worlds—a celebration of our shared humanity.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
Kiya Tabassian Direction
Holland Baroque
Judith & Tineke Steenbrink Direction
Time
Where
Toronto, Canada
Organizer
20mar19 h 00 minDialogos | SOLD OUT!WhereOttawa, Canada
Event Details
DIALOGOS The Sultan and the bird For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and
Event Details
DIALOGOS
The Sultan and the bird
For this creation inspired by the historic encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kâmil, Constantinople joins forces with one of Europe’s most bold and imaginative early music ensembles, Holland Baroque.
Amid the turmoil of the Crusades, this unexpected dialogue—marked by mutual respect and attentiveness—became a timeless symbol of peace and understanding.
Blending ancient and contemporary musical traditions from both East and West, the two ensembles bring this spiritual legacy to life through a free and daring musical language.
This collaboration transcends borders, celebrates otherness, and invites audiences on an emotional journey where music becomes a bridge between worlds—a celebration of our shared humanity.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
Kiya Tabassian Direction
Holland Baroque
Judith & Tineke Steenbrink Direction
Time
Location
Allsaints
Where
Ottawa, Canada
Organizer
21mar20 h 00 minDialogos | SOLD OUT!WhereMontreal, Canada
Event Details
A Dialogue Between Cultures, Across Centuries and Music Holland Baroque and Constantinople join forces for a unique collaboration inspired by the historical encounter
Event Details
A Dialogue Between Cultures, Across Centuries and Music
Holland Baroque and Constantinople join forces for a unique collaboration inspired by the historical encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malek al-Kamil during the Crusades. Through this act of peace and dialogue, these two figures embodied mutual respect and a deep curiosity for one another—values that our ensembles seek to bring to life today.
Buy your tickets
On stage
Constantinople
- Kiya Tabassian, setar and artistic direction
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussion
Holland Baroque
Time
Location
Bourgie Concert Hall, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
1339 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest H3G 1G2
Where
Montreal, Canada