𐰆𐰢𐰖 Umay's Children

Meet the artists

Meet the artists bringing Umay’s Children to life through music, storytelling, and cultural heritage. Each performer shares a unique connection to the traditions, sounds, and spirit of Turkic communities.

An overhead photographic composition of a conductor’s black leather-bound score book opened to a complex piece titled “Umay’s Children,” its cream pages filled with precise, flowing notation. Around it, a subtle collage of cultural elements from across Eurasia: a hand-painted ceramic bowl with turquoise patterns, a woven silk scarf in deep burgundy and gold, and a small bronze steppe-inspired amulet. They rest on a matte dark stone tabletop. Diffused, cool studio lighting from above creates soft, shadowless clarity, highlighting textures without glare. The mood is intellectual and contemplative, suggesting thoughtful preparation for a sophisticated, cross-continental musical journey.
A grand concert hall stage draped in deep midnight-blue velvet curtains, with a collection of traditional Eurasian instruments—ornate wooden dutar, lacquered guzheng, inlaid saz, and a polished concert grand piano—arranged in a graceful semi-circle on gleaming dark oak flooring. Soft, warm spotlighting from above creates gentle pools of light on each instrument, leaving the audience area in tasteful shadow. Hints of gold detailing on the balcony railings shimmer subtly. Captured in photographic realism from a centered, slightly elevated angle, the image emphasizes symmetry and depth, conveying a sophisticated, anticipatory mood that evokes the beginning of a refined cross-cultural music journey.
A close-up, photographic view of a meticulously crafted Eurasian string instrument, its warm amber wood body adorned with fine mother-of-pearl inlay forming abstract steppe and mountain motifs. The instrument rests on a charcoal-gray velvet cloth atop a dark wooden table, with blurred sheet music and a crystal water glass in the background. A single soft spotlight from the upper left creates delicate highlights along the polished strings and tuning pegs, casting faint, elegant shadows. Shot with a shallow depth of field and rule-of-thirds composition, the mood feels intimate, refined, and reverent, ideal for capturing the soul of a sophisticated concert experience.

Ali
tambayev

Ali is a Kazakh musician who relies on traditional music as a solace and a way to stay connected with his homeland. Ali’s performances highlight the vast history and numerous styles of Kazakh livelihood, and he finds joy in sharing them with wider audiences.

A close-up, photographic view of a meticulously crafted Eurasian string instrument, its warm amber wood body adorned with fine mother-of-pearl inlay forming abstract steppe and mountain motifs. The instrument rests on a charcoal-gray velvet cloth atop a dark wooden table, with blurred sheet music and a crystal water glass in the background. A single soft spotlight from the upper left creates delicate highlights along the polished strings and tuning pegs, casting faint, elegant shadows. Shot with a shallow depth of field and rule-of-thirds composition, the mood feels intimate, refined, and reverent, ideal for capturing the soul of a sophisticated concert experience.

Ruslan Girfanov

Ruslan Girfanov is a Tatar–Bashkir dancer and choreographer with over 30 years of experience in dance. Born in Ufa, in the Republic of Bashkortostan, he was raised within both Tatar and Bashkir cultural traditions, which continue to influence his artistic work.

He creates original choreographies inspired by the vibrant spirit of Tatar folk dance, occasionally incorporating elements of Bashkir dance traditions. His performances reflect a multicultural identity through movement, color, and rhythm. In addition to folk dance, Ruslan has experience in various world dance styles, including classical ballroom, which adds depth and versatility to his performances.

A close-up, photographic view of a meticulously crafted Eurasian string instrument, its warm amber wood body adorned with fine mother-of-pearl inlay forming abstract steppe and mountain motifs. The instrument rests on a charcoal-gray velvet cloth atop a dark wooden table, with blurred sheet music and a crystal water glass in the background. A single soft spotlight from the upper left creates delicate highlights along the polished strings and tuning pegs, casting faint, elegant shadows. Shot with a shallow depth of field and rule-of-thirds composition, the mood feels intimate, refined, and reverent, ideal for capturing the soul of a sophisticated concert experience.

Yulia Shipulina

Yulia Shipulina is a dancer from Portland, Oregon, originally from Russia. With a foundation in traditional dance training, she blends international folk dances with modern styles. She has performed at festivals in Portland and Seattle, including Sabantuy, International Kids Festiva, Newroz, Yalda Night, and various Indian and Afghan cultural events. She hopes to create an international folk dance group for children, teaching dance through culture and tradition.

Kerem
Onat

Kerem is a Seattle-based musician, cultural event organizer, and creative director of Umay’s Children. He enjoys playing the oud and piano and is dedicated to studying and preserving global ethnic music, with a particular focus on traditions from underrepresented communities. As an amateur multi-instrumentalist, he explores the unique textures of regional folk instruments, aiming to create cross-cultural musical narratives.

He seeks to share lesser-known cultural traditions with audiences in the Pacific Northwest and to help foster a sense of community through the universal language of music.

Evren’s Art & Music Collective

Evren’s Art & Music Collective is an ensemble dedicated to the performance and preservation of Istanbul classical modal music and traditional arts. For this program, the ensemble will present a composition by Gazi Giray Han II, reflecting the musical exchange between Bakhchysarai, Crimea and Ottoman Istanbul in 16th century, where strong cultural and artistic connections shaped a shared stylistic tradition.

Enes Evren

Enes Evren is a master of classical percussion (usul) and the ney (reed flute), with over two decades of training and performance under distinguished masters. He specializes in complex forms of the classical repertoire, including Mevlevi Ayin. He has performed internationally with specialized ensembles, appeared on Turkish National Television (TRT), and contributed to documentaries, albume recordings, and scholarly publications. He also served as co-art-director of the internationally recognized Konya Mystic Music Festival. He holds a Master’s degree in Art History.

Fatih Evren 

Fatih Evren studied tanbur and kudum under master musicians, focusing on the performance practices of Istanbul classical modal music. He has also studied classical and folk traditions from Istanbul, Anatolia, and Mesopotamia. He has studied music history in conservatory. He has performed with international ensembles and appeared in music documentaries.