Special Project

The Ismail Hakki Fencioglu and Shtreiml collaborative began as a special project created by virtuoso oud player and singer Ismail Hakki Fencioglu and harmonica innovator Jason Rosenblatt for the 2004 Montreal Festival du Monde Arabe. Through the performance of both traditional and original compositions, in addition to instrumental and vocal improvisation, this new group explores the commonalities and differences between Eastern European Jewish music and classical Turkish music. The group's repertoire, which ranges from the swirling Turkish sirto to the haunting Chassidic nign, is designed to sometimes accentuate and other times blur the distinction between the two forms of music. Ismail and Jason are joined by Rachel Lemisch (trombone), Thierry Arsenault (drums) and Adam Stotland (bass). Both Ismail and Shtreiml have performed internationally at theaters, private functions and festivals in Canada, U.S. and Europe.

Ismail Hakki Fencioglu

Vocalist and oud player Ismail Hakki Fencioglu studied at the State Conservatory of Istanbul Technical University in the department of chant and specialized in the classical Turkish music singing techniques under Alaeddin Yavasca, Bekir Sidki Sezgin and Tulin Yakarcelik. While still a student, he gave many performances on Turkish television. He reached vast audiences with his performances in the "Cassette Anthology" and "Unforgettable Composers" series. He was one of the members of the State Clasical Turkish Music Chorus which was conducted by Nevzat Atli. After earning his Bachelor's degree from the Conservatory he began working as an arranger and composer in various recording studios. Ismail moved to Canada in 2001 and is presently conductor of Montreal Turkish Music Chorus and the Ottawa Turkish Music Chorus. In addition to working with Canadian artists Berrenna Maccrimmon, Jason Rosenblatt and with his own band Marmara, Ismail performs regularly with his two choruses. A most recent highlight was his performance with the master Turkish musician, Erkan Ogur at Montreal's Festival Du Monde Arabe. In addition to his career as a performer and conductor, Ismail is a wonderful instrument builder and has crafted more than 70 beautiful instruments over the past 10 years.