Founded in 1989
In 1989, Gulay & The Ensemble Aras was established in Vienna with the intention of creating a type of world music in which elements from Asia and Europe blend together.
Oriental crossover
Exotic instruments are used beside European ones. Singer Gülay interprets the songs in the original language of the respective countries and uses her special Asiatic singing technique, which is shaped by the art music of the Ottoman court.
World fusion music
The musical raw material consists of original melodies from the countries along the historical Silk-Road, which led across Asia and, as well known, in old times even connected Rome and the Chinese empire.
Performances worldwide
The Ensemble has performed worldwide from the Imperial Palace in Vienna to Carnegie Hall in New York.
Gülay & The Ensemble Aras:
Gülay (soprano)
Josef Olt (flute)
Marco Annau (keyboards)
Lalu Joseph Alappatt (percussion)
Michael Preuschl (doublebass)
Daniel Klemmer (percussion)
Gulay's CD "colors of silk" was selected by Russian scientists of the Institute for Biomedical Problems in Moscow and was sent to the International Space Station ISS in July 2001. In October 2001 Gulay the Ensemble Aras appeared in Moscow with Mr. Yury Usachev, commander of the ISS as guest of honour.
The musicians of the ensemble uses their instruments of origin from East and West. They perform wonderful melodies originating from Japan to Europe and accompanies Gulay's graceful choreographed dances with elements from Central Asia. Find out more about their colorful costumes, esthetic movements, powerful rhythms and exciting sounds.
In 2011 Gülay & The Ensemble Aras were in Western Australia for the first time. They appeared ind Perth, Fremantle and Merredin.
The ensemble's debut concert in North America was in New York's world famous Carnegie Hall on 22nd September 2005.
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