Turkish harpist Şirin Pancaroğlu is releasing her new album Alâim-i Semâ (Rainbow) on all digital platforms Sept. 29. Her single “The Cry of the Flamingos” is available now. The album features a series of Pancaroğlu’s compositions, which she describes as “shaped by the makam and usul systems of Turkish music while exploring horizons beyond the traditional.” Alâim-i Semâ also features collaborations with other performers, including Elif Yurdakul (vocals), Arslan Hazreti (kamancha), Bülent Okan (ud), Nezih Yeşilnil (bass), Ozan Pars (percussion), Muhammed Ceylan (ney), and Jarrod Cagwin (percussion).
Several of the tracks on the album are inspired by the natural world. “The Cry of the Flamingos” refers to what Pancaroğlu calls “this elegant and delicate species which has made Turkey a permanent home.” She says this work is meant to draw attention to the threatened natural habitat of flamingos in Turkey. Another work, “From Ashes,” depicts a summer of intense wildfires in many parts of the world, including the Aegean coast where the composer now lives. “Sunset in Phrygia” shows a different perspective on the natural environment. Sheet music for Pancaroğlu’s compositions is available from 80 Days Publishing in the U.K.
Check out our cover interview with Pancaroğlu in the November/December 2021 issue of Harp Column to find out more about the native Turkish harp, the çeng. For more information, visit Pancaroğlu’s website.
