Kiya Tabassian et son sétar

Itinerant Music,
Myriad Encounters

Constantinople is a musical ensemble that chose the journey—geographical certainly, but also historical, cultural and inner—as its cornerstone. It draws inspiration from all sources and aims for distant horizons.

Constantinople is a musical ensemble that chose the journey—geographical certainly, but also historical, cultural and inner—as its cornerstone. It draws inspiration from all sources and aims for distant horizons.

EXCEPTIONAL MUSICIANS FROM DIVERSE WORLD TRADITIONS

Kiya Tabassian, artistic director

Kiya Tabassian concentré

A virtuoso of the setar and an acclaimed composer, Kiya has developed more than 50 creations all over the world.

The Ensemble, the heart of Constantinople

Musiciens de Constantinople

The exceptional musicians who regularly collaborate with the artistic director on his creations.

International collaborators

Constantinople et Suzie LeBlanc

Prestigious artists from diverse world traditions who join Constantinople to develop new works.

Unique musical creations

Support us

By making a donation to Constantinople, you are supporting a musical project that not only inspires discovery, passion, exploration and creativity but also recognizes the importance of music in society.

AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED ENSEMBLE

Along the years, Constantinople has developed 50 creations and traveled to more than 263 cities in 55 countries.

Don’t miss Constantinople in concert

march 2024

22mar19 h 30 minTraverséesWhereLeverkusen, Germany

23mar20 h 00 minTraverséesWhereFrankfurt, Germany

24mar19 h 00 minTraverséesWhereDonaueschingen, Germany

april 2024

06apr17 h 00 min23 h 50 minFrom Seville to IsfahanWhereMilwaukee, United States

07apr19 h 00 min23 h 50 minFrom Seville to IsfahanWhereWashington D.C., United States

08apr19 h 00 min23 h 50 minFrom Seville to IsfahanWhereWashington D.C., United States

14apr16 h 00 min23 h 50 minFrom Seville to IsfahanWhereNew-York, United States

19apr20 h 30 minAcross the AndesWhereToronto, Canada

20apr20 h 00 minAcross the AndesWhereMontréal, Canada

may 2024

04may19 h 00 minIn the footsteps of RumiWhereAnvers, Belgium

20may16 h 00 minIl ponte di LeonardoWhereRegensburg, Germany

june 2024

01jun20 h 00 minSongs of HopeWhereMontréal, Canada

02jun20 h 00 minSongs of HopeWhereQuébec, Canada

They talk about us

Discover media articles about our performances, our creations or events we took part in.

  • The program, devoted to Mediterranean-flavored love songs, was as unconventional as the group’s constitution.
    Read the article of Allan Kozinn about the creation Ay Amor!!.

    The New York Times
    The New York Times
  • (Suzie) LeBlanc was an appealing if not overpowering, voice and presence.
    Read the article of Sean Piccoli about the concert Metamorfosi.

    New York Classical Review
    New York Classical Review
  • Although many of the pieces to be performed here are from the “Metamorfosi” album, the live versions will likely vary from those on the CD.
    Read the article of Beth Wood.

    The San Diego Union Tribune
    The San Diego Union Tribune
  • Musicians of the group brought to our attention instruments that were largely unfamiliar to our eyes and ears, while the singing and storytelling of Ghalia Benali immersed the audience in the deeply rapturous poems of the enduringly popular 13th-century Persian poet, Rumi.
    Read the concert review of In The Foorsteps of Rumi by Morgan Luethe.

    Edmonton Chamber Music Society
    Edmonton Chamber Music Society
  • Cissoko comes from a West African griot family, but in this formation the remaining musicians become honorary griots.
    Read the album review of Traversées by Simon Broughton.

    Songlines
    Songlines
  • A sold-out crowd gave Kayhan Kalhor and his protege Kiya Tabassian a standing ovation before the show began -they knew they’d be witness to history.
    Read the concert review of Under the Persian Musical Sky by Delarue.

    New York Music Daily
    New York Music Daily
  • « Constantinople presented a convincing evening of exquisite music-making. »

    Vancouver Sun
    Vancouver Sun
  • « It is a performance as stirring to the mind as the intrinsic sounds of the setar are to the heart ».

    The Chronicle Herald
    The Chronicle Herald
  • « Count this concert as a brilliant conceptual coup for organizers Early Music Vancouver and Caravan World Music Rhythms, and a sonic cornucopia that will ring fresh in listerners’ memories for a long time to come »

    The Georgia Straight
    The Georgia Straight
  • « The kora and setar sit perfectly well together, each played with great virtuosity and without unnecessary ostentation. The alternating voices are a breath of fresh air and contrast beautifully: Cissoko mellow and Tabassian spiritual. A disc of regal and dignified magnificence »

    Songlines Magazine
    Songlines Magazine