Musical journey of Baha Yetkin: From London's Royal Albert Hall to teaching at Yunus Emre Institute

Istanbul-born oud virtuoso Baha Yetkin shares his journey from performing on London’s stages to teaching music, building cultural bridges through his art in an exclusive Türkiye Today interview

EXCLUSIVE BY KEVSER ERBAY — Baha Yetkin, the first Turkish artist to perform a solo recital at London’s Royal Albert Hall, play the oud with flamenco music in Spain, and appear in a Broadway musical at the Royal Shakespeare Company and London’s West End, began with his father’s words: “Your grandfather used to play this instrument; would you like to try it?” This marked the start of a journey for Yetkin, not just into the world of music but into embracing and promoting a cultural heritage.

Today, the internationally renowned oud artist gives oud lessons at London’s Yunus Emre Institute, sharing his passion for Turkish music and culture. Yetkin discussed his achievements and musical milestones with Türkiye Today’s Kevser Erbay, highlighting his role as an artist who bridges cultures through the universal language of music.

Yetkin’s story begins in Istanbul and then travels through a journey filled with firsts and successes, from London’s Royal Albert Hall to a Westend Broadway musical.

“My musical adventure started with that question,” Yetkin explained, describing his upbringing in Istanbul – a city rich in history, texture, and opportunities – as a backdrop to his musical exploration. From a young age, surrounded by music at home, his journey took off when his father introduced him to the instrument at the age of 16. Throughout his conservatory years, Yetkin absorbed new details and discovered new music daily, thanks to his teachers and masters. “I played Turkish and Middle Eastern music, but also classical, jazz, and flamenco at times. It makes me proud to feel each of these experiences reflected in my music,” Yetkin shared.

With a mission to introduce his country and its culture to the world, Yetkin emphasized, “Living in London now, I continue to promote and teach Turkish music and the Turkish oud.”

Yetkin’s international workshops in cities like Istanbul, London, Cambridge, and Madrid have attracted attention to Turkish music’s unique melodies. “People outside of Türkiye might find these unfamiliar melodies strange, but many also come to love this ‘unusual’ music. The interest in the oud and Turkish music is very gratifying,” he stated. Yetkin views music as a language that needs to be conveyed without detaching from its traditions and roots.

Having taught oud and Turkish music since 2005, Yetkin has guided over 1,000 students, boasting his unique teaching technique. “I divide mastery into two parts: improving as a musician and developing your character. A favorite saying of mine is, ‘Everyone plays themselves.’ One can only become a virtuoso o after developing a personality. I encourage my students to read books, watch quality plays and movies, and visit art galleries. Whatever it takes to develop themselves. Virtuosity is like a vase; beautiful on its own but gains value with a lovely bouquet inside,” Yetkin elaborated.

He also expressed gratitude toward the Yunus Emre Institute and its London Branch Manager Mehmet Karakus for their trust and support in promoting Turkish culture and the oud. “We’ve organized many wonderful events over the years. When we started oud lessons, we had five to six students. With patience and persistence, we increased this number and spread worldwide through online platforms. One of the most unforgettable moments was the end-of-year concert with my students in 2019. It was an unforgettable experience to see the fruits of your labor,” Yetkin shared, noting that concerts and workshops would continue. He encouraged those interested to follow the Yunus Emre Institute’s website and social media for updates.