Babür Tongur
BIO
Babür Tongur (1955) is a Turkish Canadian composer, conductor and academician. He started his music education when he was four and started composing music at the age of six. At the age of eleven, he completed talent exams and was accepted to the İstanbul Municipal Conservatory. He started composition studies in Ankara State Conservatory in 1972, and in 1978 continued to study with A. Adnan Saygun in Istanbul State Conservatory, completing his Bachelor’s (1981), MMus (1983) and DMA (1987) degrees consecutively.
He co-established The Tiyatora Orchestra (1979-1992) in Istanbul, and conducted the first productions of several major works in Türkiye. including The Three-penny Opera and West Side Story.
Between 2000 and 2007, he conducted several operas, cantatas, and symphonic works with the MSGSU State Conservatory Orchestra. Between 1979 and 2007, he taught several classes including composition, harmony counterpoint, figured bass, musicianship, and solfeggio, and programmed syllabi in the MSGSU State Conservatory.
He has composed for solo instruments, choir, chamber ensembles, and orchestra, as well as several other stage-works since 1973. He won several awards for these compositions. His works were performed in Türkiye, Europe and North America, and took place in several CDs. He has been commissioned by preeminent ensembles. His long-time contributions in stage works and his past in theater works influences his expressive musical language. In his compositions, he tells stories, and oftentimes he writes these stories, he explores paintings, and is freely inspired by other art forms. He explores human experiences such as love and death. His studies in ethnomusicology, which he defines as ‘musical anthropology’, nourishes his harmonic and modal language. His works have been defined as captivating, expressive and intense. Since 2009 he has lived, composed and taught in Canada.
Currently Tongur is working on a piano trio and his second symphony at the same time.
BABUR TONGUR
CV
EDUCATION
1987 DMA in Composition Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul
1983 MMUS in Composition and Conducting Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul
1981 BMUS in Composition and Conducting State Conservatory in Istanbul
TEACHING
1978-1990 Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul
1990-1991 Bilkent University in Ankara
1991-2007 Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul
2013-Present Tongur Music
CONDUCTING
1979-1990 Tiyatora Orchestra – Founder- Music Director and Conductor
2001-2007 Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Orchestra – Conductor
AWARDS
-1988 Enka Award/Nine ile Karga /Grand-grandma and the Crow-(Soloists, Choir, Orchestra/Piano)
-1987 Dilligil theatre Music Award / Macbeth of the Witches (Theatre Music);
-1985 State Conservatory Composition Award / Sonata for Viola-Piano;
COMMISSIONED WORKS
Anatolia Twenty Thirty to Thousand Years Ago Trio, 2023, Piano, Violin, Violoncello, 1st mouvement In the Archaic City Premier 2023 Calgary, Land’s End Ensemble June 23.
Swirling Quintet III, 2017 Quintet for Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Premier 2017 Amsterdam, Calefax Reed Quintet March 18.
Birdus Petroleum from Quintet II, 2011 Quintet for Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Commissioned by Akropolis Reed Quintet, USA.
Nuclear Child Games Quintet I, 1995 (Quintet for Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet) (1996 Amsterdam, Calefax Reed Quintet), Commissioned by Calefax Reed Quintet, Nederland/Holland
Sonata for Flute no. (II) 1991, Commissioned by Isvan Matuz, Hungary
Sonata for Harpsichord 'Anno Mozart' 1993 (1993, Brüksel, Leyla Pınar), Commissioned by Leyla Pinar, Belgium
Sonata for solo violin 2005 (2005, İstanbul, Hande Özyürek), Commissioned by Hande Ozyurek, Germany
Sonata Solo Oboe I and II 2009 (Ayser Vancin a joué en France, 2010 Paris), Commissioned by Ayser Vancin, France
Everest my Lord (eşliksiz koro, solistler / A cappella, soloists), 1997. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1997, Kumpanya), Commissioned by "Tiyatro Kumpanya" Theatre, Turkey
Gezegenler / The Planets (eşliksiz koro, solistler / A cappella, soloists), 2000. (İlk seslendiriliş: 2000, Kumpanya), Commissioned by "Tiyatro Kumpanya" Theatre, Turkey
Concerto for Horn in F 2000, Commissioned by Ertugrul Kose, Turkey
Giordano Bruno (Quartet for soprano, mezzo soprano, baritone and narrator), 2005 (2007, Ankara Devlet Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by Erhan Gokgucu, Turkey
Sonata for Piano-Bb Clarinet and Piano 2008 (2010, Clarinet-Elif Aksoy, piano-Gülüm Sürmen), Commissioned by Elif Aksoy, Turkey
Sonata for Flute no. (I) 1969, (rev. 2007), Commissioned by Sukru Yalcin, Turkey
Two Folksongs for Voice and Piano 2004 (2010, Soprano-Selva Erdener, Piano Ibrahim Yazici), Commissioned by Selva Erdener, Turkey
İki Kova Su / Two Buckets of Water (piyano, koro, solistler / piano, choir, soloists), 1976. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1976, Ankara Devlet Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by State Theatre, Turkey
Pof’la Paf ( 7 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / 7 players, choir, soloists), 1978. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1975, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by State Theatre, Turkey
Hayaletler Sonatı / A Dream Play (7 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / 7 players, choir, soloists), 1980. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1989, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by State Theatre, Turkey
Aslan’la Tavşan / The Lion and The Rabbit (4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler /4 players, choir, soloists), 1982. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1982 Kenter Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by Kenter Theatre, Turkey
Sihirli Fındıklar / Bewitched Nuts (4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / 4 çalgıcı, choir, soloists), 1983. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1983, Kenter Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by Kenter Theatre, Turkey
Cadılar Macbeth'i / Macbeth of the Witches (Won DILLIGIL Theatre Music award)(4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / 4 players, choir, soloists), 1986. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1986, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by State Theatre, Turkey
Deli Dumrul II (eşliksiz koro, solistler / A cappella, soloists), 1990. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1990, Ankara Devlet Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by State Theatre, Turkey
Çok Uzak Fazla Yakın / Too Far Very Close (piyano, koro, solistler / piano, choir, soloists), 1994. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1994, Kenter Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by Kenter Theatre, Turkey
Julide ile Ramiz (piyano, koro, solistler / piano, choir, soloists), 1995. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1995, Kenter Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by Kenter Theatre, Turkey
Kısasa Kısas/ Measure for Measure (4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / 4 players, choir, soloists), 1998. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1998, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by State Theatre, Turkey
Urfaust (4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / choir, soloists), 1999. (İlk seslendiriliş: 1999, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by State Theatre, Turkey
Düdükçüler’le Fırçacılar (4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler /4 players, choir, soloists), 2000. (İlk seslendiriliş: 2000, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu), Commissioned by State Theatre, Turkey
LIST OF SELECTED PERFORMANCES
2023
Anatolia Twenty Thirty to Thousand Years Ago Trio, 2023, Piano, Violin, Violoncello, 1st mouvement In the Archaic City Premier 2023 Calgary, Land’s End Ensemble June 23.
2018
Swirling Quintet III, 2017 Quintet for Obua, Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxopfone, Bas Clarinet, Bassoon, Premier 2017 Amsterdam, Calefax Reed Quintet March 18.
2013
Elegy, December 21, 2013 Trio for piano, violin, violoncello.
2012
Birdus Petroleum Quintet II, 2011 Quintet for Obua, Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxopfone, Bas Clarinet, Bassoon, Premier 2012 Michigan, Akropolis Reed Quintet January 8.
2010
Sonata for Piano and Clarinetto 2008; Premier 2010, Clarinet-Elif Aksoy, piano-Gülüm Sürmen.
Two Folksongs for Voice and Piano 2004 Dedicated to Selva Erdener(2010, Ankara, Record / Bilkent, Soprano: Selva Erdener, Piano: Ibrahim Yazici).
2008
Giordano Bruno (eşliksiz koro, solistler / A cappella, soloists, Orators), 2005. (İlk seslendiriliş: 2008, Ankara Devlet Tiyatrosu).
2005
Sonata for solo violin2005 Dedicated to Nuri Iyicil (2005, İstanbul, Hande Özyürek).
1993
Sonata for Harpsichord 'Anno Mozart' 1993 (1993, Brüksel, Leyla Pınar).
1987
Nine ile Karga 1987 (ENKA Choir music award) (A tale for Choir by the Orchestra/Piano) (1987, İstanbul, TRT Çoksesli Korosu/ The Choir of Radio Istanbul, Koro Şefi/Choir Conductor: Gökçen Koray).
LIST OF WORKS BY GENRE
SOLO
Sonata for solo Oboe II 4.40, Rev. March 29 2011 Winnipeg
Sonata for solo Oboe I 6.50, Rev. March 27 2011 Winnipeg
Sonata Flauto II 1994 Istanbul, Rev. 2011 Winnipeg
Sonata Flauto I 1969 Istanbul, Rev. 2011 Winnipeg
Sonata for solo violin 2005 Dedicated to Nuri Iyicil (world premiere 2005, İstanbul, Hande Özyürek).
Sonata for Piano "1918-1922", Comp 1979, Rev 2014 rev. Calgary
Sonata for Flute (I) 1969, rev. 2007
Sonata for Flute (II) 1994 Rev. 2009
Piano Rhymes 'Piyano Tekerlemeleri' 1961-1966, rev 1971. rev 2004, rev 2014
Variations and Theme for Piano 1978.
Sonata for Harpsichord 'Anno Mozart' 1993 (world premiere 1993, Brüksel, Leyla Pınar).
CHAMBER
Anatolia Twenty Thirty to Thousand Years Ago Piano Trio, 2023, Piano, Violin, Violoncello, 1st movement In the Archaic City Premier June 23, 2023 Calgary, (world premiere Land’s End Ensemble June 23, Calgary)
Swirling Quintet III, 2017 Quintet for Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon (World Premier March 18, 2017 Amsterdam, Calefax Reed Quintet)
Elegy December 21, 2013 Trio for piano, violin, violoncello.
Birdus Petroleum Quintet II, 2011 Quintet for Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon (World Premier January 8, 2012 Akropolis Reed Quintet, Michigan)
Sonata for Piano and Clarinetto 2008; World Premier 2010, Clarinet-Elif Aksoy, piano-Gülüm Sürmen.
Nuclear Child Games Quintet I, 1995 Quintet for Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Premier 1996 Amsterdam, Calefax Reed Quintet.
Sonata for Piano and Viola 1984; won composition award from IDK; World Premier 2000, İstanbul, viola-Ruşen Güneş, piano-Judith Uluğ.
VOICE
Two Folksongs for Voice and Piano 2004 Dedicated to Selva Erdener (2010, Ankara, Recording Bilkent, Soprano: Selva Erdener, Piano: Ibrahim Yazici).
Giordano Bruno (eşliksiz koro, solistler / A cappella, soloists, Orators), 2005. (World Premier: 2008, Ankara Devlet Tiyatrosu).
Opera:
Everest my Lord (eşliksiz koro, solistler / A cappella, soloists, Orators), 1997. (World Premier: 1997, Kumpanya).
Nine ile Karga 1987 (ENKA Choir music award) (A tale for Choir by the Orchestra/Piano) (World Premier: 1987, İstanbul, TRT Çoksesli Korosu/ The Choir of Radio Istanbul, Koro Şefi/Choir Conductor: Gökçen Koray).
OPERA
Gezegenler / Planets (eşliksiz koro, solistler / A cappella, soloists, Orators), 2000. (İlk seslendiriliş: 2000, Kumpanya).
Cadılar Macbeth'i / Macbeth of the Witches (DILLIGIL Theatre Music Award)(4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / 4 players, choir, soloists, Orators, Prepared Piano), 1986. (World Premier: 1986, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu).
Deli Dumrul II (eşliksiz koro, solistler / A cappella, soloists, Orators), 1979 & 1990. (World Premier: 1990, Ankara Devlet Tiyatrosu).
BAND
Birds For Level 2 Band (premiere 2013, Calgary)
ORCHESTRA
Symphony No II -in progress
Jasmine Flower, 2017 Zithers and Chamber Orchestra, Orchestration and Arrangement (World Premiere: 2017, Calgary)
Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra 2011, Winnipeg, MB
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra 2010, Winnipeg, MB
Symphony 1983, Istanbul; Rev. 2008, Bodrum
Concerto for Horn in F 2000, Istanbul Turkey, Commissioned by Ertugrul Kose
STAGE WORKS
Giordano Bruno (Theater Singers, Quartet for soprano, mezzo soprano, baritone and narrators), 2005 ( world Premiere 2007, Ankara Devlet Tiyatrosu)
Aziz Nesin: Düdükçüler’le Fırçacılar (4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler /4 players, choir, soloists), 2000. (World Premiere 2000, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu)
Goete: Urfaust (4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / choir, soloists), 1999. (World Premiere 1999, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu)
Shakepeare: Kısasa Kısas/ Measure for Measure (4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / 4 players, choir, soloists), 1998. (World Premiere 1998, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu)
Julide ile Ramiz (piyano, koro, solistler / piano, choir, soloists), 1995. (World Premiere 1995, Kenter Tiyatrosu)
Erduran: Çok Uzak Fazla Yakın / Very Far Too Close (piyano, koro, solistler / piano, choir, soloists), 1994. (World Premiere 1994, Kenter Tiyatrosu).
Dede Korkut: Deli Dumrul II (eşliksiz koro, solistler / A cappella, soloists, orators), 1990. (World Premiere 1990, Ankara Devlet Tiyatrosu)
"Deli Dumrul"s Premiere August 12. 2012) in Katowice - Poland.
Stringberg: Hayaletler Sonatı / A Dream Play (7 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / 7 players, choir, soloists), 1989. (World Premiere: 1989, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu)
Shakespeare: Cadılar Macbethi / Macbeth of the Witches (4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / 4 players, choir, soloists, orators), 1986. (World Premiere 1986, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu)
Sihirli Fındıklar / Bewitched Nuts (4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / 4 çalgıcı, choir, soloists), 1983. (World Premiere 1983, Kenter Tiyatrosu)
Aslan’la Tavşan / The Lion and The Rabbit (4 çalgıcı, koro, solistler /4 players, choir, soloists), 1982. (World Premiere 1982 Kenter Tiyatrosu)
Dede Korkut: Deli Dumrul I (Orkestra, solistler / Orchestra, soloists), 1979. (World Premiere 1979 İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu)
Pof’la Paf / Poff and Paff (7 çalgıcı, koro, solistler / 7 players, choir, soloists), 1978. (World Premiere 1978, İstanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu)
Gradianus: İki Kova Su / Two Buckets of Water (4 el piyano, koro, solistler / 4 hand piano, choir, soloists), 1976. (World Premiere 1976, Ankara Devlet Tiyatrosu)
Anonim: Karagöz ve Hacivat (Orkestra, Koro, Solistler / Orchestra, Choir, Soloists), 1975, World Premiere 1975 Ankara Devlet Konservatuvarı)
Shiller: Haydutlar (piyano, koro, solistler / piano, choir, soloists), 1974. (World Premiere 1974, Ankara Devlet Konservatuvarı Tiyatro Bölümü)
LINKS
Anatolia Twenty to Thirty Thousand Years Ago
A A Saygun, A Timucin, E Saydam, E Z Un, G Reusch-Onay, H Saydam, I Usmanbas, M C Higney, M Sun, N Karatekin, d'Indy, C Franck, H Challan, M Bitsch, G Dandelot, N Gallon. J Gallon, P Maurice, P Lantier, H Reber. N Tagizade, R Wagner, Y Lorriot, O Messiaen, M C B Patier, M D Guillemin, S Adler, S Fink, Y Desportes, E Pozzoli, F Fontain, F Fenerolli, R O Morris, Fernand Fotain, Ettore Pozzoli, Yvonne Desportes
