Anima Shirvani
Located in the Lesser Caucasus on the west coast of the Caspian Sea, from the city of Derbent in the north to the Kura River in the south, the historical region of Shirvan was the state of the Shirvanshahs from the 8th to the 16th century. It was situated right on the border between Europe and Asia, where the Great Silk Road connected West and East for 1000 years, allowing communication between the two worlds.
An ensemble specialized in historical performance practice, Anima Shirvani establishes a connection between European Renaissance and Baroque music and traditional music from Persia, the Caucasus, and Anatolia. Their music, mostly based on improvisation following specific rules passed down orally over centuries, dates back to the Renaissance and the Middle Ages, when Europe experienced its cultural "awakening." Thus, the idea of a "Silk Road" ensemble emerged, exploring and connecting music from both cultures. With instruments from the 16th and 17th centuries and a special focus on historical authenticity, the internationally renowned ensemble members present an East-West dialogue at the highest artistic level.
Deniz Mahir Kartal - kaval, balaban (duduk)
Heidi Gröger - viola da gamba
Pedro Alcàcer Doria - theorbo
Peter Kuhnsch - percussion
Tural Ismayilov - Renaissance trombone and artistic direction
©Photo: Klaus Hansen