PRESS RELEASE: Global Music Virtuosos Connect in ‘Divan Australis: Horizons’ at Federation Square
MELBOURNE, VIC — The Australian Turkish Melodies of Peace, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting harmony through the unifying power of music, is proud to present Divan Australis: Horizons. This spectacular cross-cultural musical event will take place on Sunday, 8th November 2026, at Melbourne’s iconic venue, The Edge at Federation Square.
Doors will open at 5:30 pm, with the performance commencing at 6:00 pm sharp.
A Bridge Between East and West Expanding Cultural Horizons
Divan Australis: Horizons aims to look beyond borders, building a literal and artistic bridge between disparate global tradition, seamlessly blending the rich musical heritage of the Orient with Western symphonic and local elements. Under the artistic vision of the Australian Turkish Melodies of Peace, the performance serves as a powerful testament to how music can transcend borders, unite communities, and foster deep cultural harmony.
“This is a unique opportunity to experience the brilliance of all these musical virtuosos,” says Conductor İskender Ozan Toprak. “By bringing together such distinct master musicians on one stage for Divan Australis: Horizons, we are not just sharing music—we are creating a shared language of peace, tradition, and innovation that speaks directly to the heart.”
An Elite Line-up of International and Local Virtuosos
The evening will be led by Conductor İskender Ozan Toprak, a celebrated Turkish-Australian artist, composer, and virtuoso of the bağlama (long-necked lute). Under his baton, the Divan Australia Ensemble will anchor an extraordinary roster of master musicians, featuring:
• Çimen Yalçın: A celebrated, Turkish-born folk powerhouse. Known globally as “the voice that makes Turkey cry,” she is highly regarded for her commitment to preserving Anatolia’s diverse musical heritage.
• Halil Çokyürekli: A “living legend” of the zurna (traditional double-reed woodwind instrument) famous for breaking boundaries by fusing traditional Aegean Zeybek culture with jazz and Western blues.
• Lei Zhou: A master of the pipa, a traditional four-stringed, pear-shaped Chinese lute boasting over 2,000 years of history. Having trained under a professor from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and attained the highest level in China’s pipa grading system, Lei brings the expressive sound and technical brilliance of an ancient Chinese tradition to Melbourne.
• Brandon Lee: Melbourne-based koto performer, trained under Kazue Sawai in Tokyo, blends classical and contemporary styles. He holds a Monash Masters and collaborates internationally, performing at festivals worldwide.
• Sinem Bolat: A beloved local Melburnian Turkish singer, adding a brilliant homegrown voice to this global collaborative tapestry.
• Uncle Ian Hunter: A highly respected Wurundjeri Elder and a master Indigenous didgeridoo player. His incredible virtuosity on the didgeridoo will ground the evening’s performance in the ancient storytelling and sounds of Australia.
The event is proudly sponsored by XYZ.
Event Logistics & Ticketing
• Event: Divan Australis: Horizons
• Date: Sunday, 8th November 2026
• Time: Doors open at 5:30 pm | Performance starts at 6:00 pm
• Venue: The Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Tickets: Available for purchase online via Humanitix at humanitix.com.au Tickets on Sale Monday 17th August 2026
Attendees should secure their tickets early to experience this rare, world-class gathering of international masters right in the heart of Melbourne.
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About Australian Turkish Melodies of Peace:
The Australian Turkish Melodies of Peace is a registered not-for-profit organisation focusing on cultural exchange, community harmony, and intercultural dialogue. By staging collaborative, high-calibre musical events, the organisation utilizes the universal language of melody to create lasting peace and connection between Eastern and Western cultures. This event is a fundraising initiative of the Melodies of Peace.
All funds raised at the event will support the programs of Melodies of Peace.
Media Contact:
Aylin Aras-Yurdakul
Board Representative
Australian Turkish Melodies of Peace
[email protected]
0402 396 627
www.melodiesofpeace.com.au
