Presented by Small World Music
Experience the evocative beauty of Kurdish music through the voice of Aynur Doğan, one of the most influential artists in the Kurdish tradition today.
As part of ISHQ Festival’s exploration of deep-rooted musical heritage, Aynur brings centuries of Kurdish folk tradition into conversation with jazz, classical, and global music. Her performance is not just a concert—it is an emotional journey through language, longing, and resilience.
Backed by an exceptional international ensemble—featuring vocals, tembûr (long-necked lute), piano, drums, double bass, clarinet, and guitar—Aynur creates a sound that is both ancient and timeless. The result is a performance that honors tradition while speaking to a global, contemporary audience.
Come witness one of the most captivating voices on the global stage—live in Toronto.
About the Artist:
Aynur
Aynur is one of the most influential voices in Kurdish music today. Over her 25-year career, she has shaped traditional Kurdish folk music by blending contemporary Western influences. Her extraordinary voice and emotive storytelling carry the weight of a rich cultural heritage, reinterpreted for global audiences.
Featured in major international media, Aynur has earned widespread recognition including The Guardian, El País, and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), as well as covers in respected world music magazines like Songlines and Roots. She has collaborated with widely recognized artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Javier Limón, and Kayhan Kalhor. These artistic partnerships have not only broadened her musical reach but also helped elevate Kurdish music to the world stage.
Through her music, Aynur preserves tradition and reinvents tradition – transforming it into a timeless, universal language. She remains to be a powerful artistic force, connecting audiences across borders with her music and strengthening the presence of Kurdish cultural expression on the global stage.
Doors open at 7:30PM