Güvenç Birer is a İzmir-based oud artist, choir conductor, composer, lyricist, and music educator. He has been involved in various cultural projects, particularly in Turkish music, but identifies more as an educator.

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Birer began his music theory education in middle school and continued with choir work during high school. He first encountered the TOBAV Youth Choir and later continued his involvement in Turkish music choir projects, participating in numerous concerts. During his high school years, he also started teaching through the Turkish Education Volunteers Foundation, where he discovered his passion for teaching. He led a choir and gained valuable experience in choir conducting while also participating as a chorister in various other choirs.

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In 2007, as a third-year student at Ege University State Turkish Music Conservatory, he accepted the offer to establish the Ege University Faculty of Agriculture Turkish Art Music Choir, marking his first experience conducting a choir in the Turkish Art Music field with adults. His work in this area accelerated, leading him to conduct various choirs, including the YURT-KUR İzmir Regional Directorate Bornova Student Dormitory Turkish Art Music Choir, Seferihisar Public Education Center Turkish Art Music Choir, and Buca Public Education Center Turkish Art Music Choir.

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After graduating from university, Birer pursued a master's degree in educational sciences and was appointed as a teacher. He worked as a music teacher in Batman, and later in İzmir's districts of Kiraz, Menemen, and Konak. His final position was at Konak Hamdi Dalan Special Education Application School, where he worked with individuals with various intellectual disabilities, including autism. This role was a significant turning point for Birer in exploring new methods of teaching. After eleven years in his profession, he left his role as a specialist teacher and took over the İzmir Music Academy, where he is an honorary founding member and advisor. He manages various tasks, including oud instruction, music school preparation, music theory classes, and conducting both the Traditional Turkish Art Music Fasl-ı Cedîd Group and Popular Music Choirs.

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During his departure from public service, Birer also founded İZMA Music Production and Organization Company, introducing two well-equipped studios to İzmir's music scene. Through this company, he has gained experience in managing various stages of album production, from arrangement and recording to digital release.

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Bremen Period

 

Since 2016, Güvenç Birer has been involved in music projects between İzmir and Bremen. Recognized by the Bremen Senate as the official İzmir Coordinator and cultural ambassador between the two cities, Birer established an official partnership between İzmir Music Academy and Westend. He and Peter Dahm, directors of both organizations, have collaborated on numerous artistic projects. The "Transition" Project, organized under the Bremen Senate's patronage, is known for providing diverse experiences to its audience through the participation of artists from both countries. Through this project, Birer and Dahm established the Sıkıntı Yok Ensemble, with Birer contributing lyrics to two of Dahm's compositions. The group’s first album features these pieces. Birer also developed relationships with amateur musicians in Bremen and adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by offering remote Turkish music performance and oud lessons. The community continued to meet monthly in Bremen and expanded its repertoire to include various musical styles, resulting in the formation of the WestEast Choir, which continues to perform two concerts each season.

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Other Artistic Work

 

In addition to his work in Bremen, Birer is a member of the Okeanos Orchestra, founded by İzmir artist Evrim Ateşler, which bridges cultural gaps between Turkey and Greece, particularly in interpreting Greek "Smyrneika" and "Rembetiko" music in Turkey. Birer has participated in album and single projects under Ateşler’s artistic direction. The "Mikra Asia - Asia Minor" album marks a new direction in Birer's artistic career.

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Birer has composed numerous works for which he has written both lyrics and music. He has organized concerts featuring these compositions and is in the planning stages for several albums.

 

Additionally, he has been actively involved in various charity concerts and large-scale events, dedicating many of his performances to noble causes. Overall, Güvenç Birer has played an active role in different cultural and social projects throughout his musical journey, particularly in Turkish music education and concerts.

Peter Dahm is a German saxophonist and composer living in Bremen. With a rich and diverse music career, Dahm has contributed to numerous projects, albums, and groups. Known for his performances across various music genres, Dahm has worked in jazz, Balkan folk, klezmer, and Turkish-Arab music.

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His compositions often blend these diverse influences, creating unique and compelling musical experiences. Dahm is actively involved in musical activities at Kulturwerkstatt Westend in Bremen, where he serves as the artistic music director. He has organized and managed numerous music events and collaborations, bringing together amateur and professional musicians. Additionally, he has performed with groups like Klezgoyim, which explores traditional pieces with contemporary interpretations. Recently, he has continued similar work with the Sıkıntı Yok Ensemble, formed through the Izmir-Bremen Sister City Project. The artist has released several albums, including "İzmir Dokunuşu" with this group.

Peter Dahm uses the universal language of music to bring together different cultures and promote musical diversity. His contributions in Bremen and his international projects have established him as an important figure in the music world.