DROM MUSIC
Drom, after hosting many world-famous artists on its stage, proudly presents its record label, Drom Music!
Livaneli's Rumi Suite
Performed by One Sound Ensemble
A Global Music Project of Peace, Poetry, and Unity
RUMI SUITE is a deeply spiritual and musically rich tribute to the timeless poetry of 13th-century mystic Jalaluddin Rumi—one of the most universally celebrated poets in human history. Featuring newly composed music by Zülfü Livaneli, arranged by Henning Schmiedt, and performed by a globally diverse ensemble, the project is a powerful expression of unity through art.
The compositions are inspired by Rumi’s message of unconditional love, radical empathy, and transcendent peace, forming a musical dialogue that spans continents, languages, and belief systems. Each piece is delivered with emotional depth and cultural sensitivity, creating a sonic space where differences dissolve and the human spirit resonates.
What makes RUMI SUITE truly distinctive is its multi-faith, multi-national ensemble—Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and secular artists from Turkey, the Balkans, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States—who come together not just to perform, but to embody the values of peace, coexistence, and shared humanity.
---
Executive Producers: Serdar Ilhan, Ahmet Erentok
The English translation of the poetry was made by Aylin Livaneli.
David Kowalski served as Recording and Mixing Engineer.
Recorded in 2025 at Teaneck Sound Studio, New Jersey.
Artwork by Deniz Olgac Ilhan.
---
*2 Singles are OUT NOW:
Listen Right or Wrong
Listen It's Called Love
ZÜLFÜ LİVANELİ
Composer (Turkey)
“Livaneli is Turkey’s voice of conscience.”
A legendary Turkish composer, novelist, filmmaker, and former UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Zülfü Livaneli is a towering figure in global culture and a long-standing advocate for artistic freedom. Over five decades, his works have reached millions, blending Anatolian folk, classical, and Western traditions with powerful themes of justice, love, and humanism.
Livaneli has composed more than 300 songs, multiple symphonic works, and film scores, collaborating with artists such as Maria Farantouri, Joan Baez, and Mikis Theodorakis. Deeply influenced by Turkish poetry and literature, many of his works are based on the writings of Nazım Hikmet, Yunus Emre, and now Rumi.
In RUMI SUITE, Livaneli contributes original, never-before-released compositions written specifically for this project. His melodies provide the emotional foundation of the album—cinematic, contemplative, and universally resonant.
HENNING SCHMIEDT
Arranger (Germany)
Henning Schmiedt is a German composer, pianist, and arranger internationally acclaimed for his intimate, poetic, and emotionally nuanced style. With roots in both classical and jazz music, he has released numerous solo and chamber albums and composed for film and contemporary dance.
A graduate of the Franz Liszt Conservatory in Weimar, Schmiedt has collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Michael Wollny and Arild Andersen, and performed across Europe and Asia.
AYLİN LİVANELİ
Translator (Turkey)
Aylin Livaneli is a writer, filmmaker, and former musician with a strong foundation in literature and languages. Born in Ankara and educated in Stockholm, Paris, New York, and London, she studied literature at New York University and later graduated from the London School of Economics. Fluent in English, Swedish, French, and Italian, Livaneli is the author of Children in the Garden of Exile and has worked extensively as a columnist and cultural producer across media and the arts.
SERDAR İLHAN
Executive Producer / Turkish-American
Award wining producer, based in New York City, Serdar Ilhan is a cultural entrepreneur, concert producer, and founder of DROM, one of NYC’s premier venues for world music. For over 17 years, he has championed cross-cultural artistic exchange, curating concerts, festivals, and international tours for acclaimed artists across genres.
Ilhan is also one of the producers of the annual New York Gypsy Festival and the Istanbulive concert series, which ran for seven seasons in collaboration with Central Park SummerStage, Lincoln Center, and SXSW.
With RUMI SUITE, Ilhan brings his vision into the studio—producing a project that reflects his lifelong mission: building bridges between East and West, tradition and modernity, through music that moves, inspires, and connects.
Ahmet Erentok
Executive Producer / Turkish
Award wining entrepreneur Ahmet Erentok is a Turkish investor with a global track record in large-scale development, finance, and cultural diplomacy. He chairs the Azerbaijan Turkey Business Association, the Azerbaijan Turkey US Foundation, and several international firms.
With degrees in international relations and global justice, Mr. Erentok has led cross-border ventures since the 1980s, founding over 60 companies and driving investment across Eurasia and the U.S. He brings deep institutional knowledge, global partnerships, and strategic vision—key strengths in his role as Executive Producer on culturally impactful projects.
THE ENSEMBLE – ONE SOUND ENSEMBLE
One Sound Ensemble is a global music collective curated and produced by Serdar Ilhan, bringing together renowned composer and oud master Ara Dinkjian, members of the acclaimed NY Gypsy All Stars, and Tamara Jokic and Mona Miari. Their signature project, the RUMI SUITE, weaves Sufi poetry with sacred melodies, jazz, and world fusion, creating a deeply moving soundscape of peace and unity. This ensemble stands as a powerful example of cross-cultural harmony — where music becomes a bridge between souls.
Ara Dinkjian
Oud /Musical Director
American-Armenian
Dinkjian is one of the world’s most respected oud master and a visionary musical voice in the realm of East–West fusion. He has spent his career building bridges between musical cultures — composing, performing, and arranging works that seamlessly weave together Middle Eastern modality, jazz harmony, classical sensitivity, and contemporary storytelling.
He is a member of the Secret Trio
İsmail Lumanovski Clarinet
Macedonian-American
He is the winner of numerous competitions including: 1st prize of the 23rd, 24th and 25th Clarinet Competition of Macedonia, The Juilliard Clarinet Concerto Competition, the International Young Artist Competition in Bulgaria, the National Folk Music Competition in Macedonia and the Andreas Makris Clarinet Competition in Colorado. Additionally, Lumanovski received the “Fine Arts Award” twice at the Interlochen Arts Academy. Most recently, he took 1st prize at the Arriaga Chamber music competition.
He is a member of NY Gypsy AllStars and The Secret Trio
Tamer Pınarbaşı Kanun
Turkish-American
A virtuosic master of the kanun (Middle Eastern zither), renowned for pushing the instrument into jazz and improvisational contexts.
He is a member of NY Gypsy All Stars and The Secret Trio
Panagiotis Andreou
Fretless Bass / Vocals
Greek
Grammy-winning bassist known for his microtonal technique and dynamic fusion of Mediterranean rhythm, jazz, and groove. n 2010, he was awarded “Latin Bass Player of the Year” by the Latin Jazz Corner blog.
He Is a member of the NY Gypsy All Stars.
Engin Kaan Günaydın
Drums / Bendir
Turkish - Australian
Award winning drummer Gunaydin, an emerging voice in Turkish jazz, praised for his intricate rhythm work and versatility across genres.
He is a member of the NY Gypsy All Stars
Marius van der Brink
Piano / Keyboards
Dutch
A pianist of rare elegance, blending classical clarity with jazz fluency. A frequent performer across major European festivals. Marius is a winner of the Pathways to Jazz Awards. After moving from Amsterdam to New York City
He is a member of the NY Gypsy All Stars.
VOCALISTS
Tamara Jokic / Vocal (Serbian)
Tamara has developed a unique, fierce sound that reflects her deep connection to these cultures and their languages. She has worked with many renowned musicians and producers, shaping an unwavering vocal style that bridges tradition and modernity through an acoustic and intimate setting. Teaching at Berklee College of Music.
Mona Miari / Vocal (Palestinian-American)
Mona is an internationally renowned Palestinian-American artist, singer, and songwriter celebrated for her profound artistry, pioneering projects, and and unwavering dedication to elevating Arabic music on the world stage. Based in New York City, she captivates audiences worldwide by seamlessly integrating the cultural richness of Palestinian and Levantine heritage with diverse global influences.
FEATURED GUESTS
Ibrahim Maalouf – Flugelhorn (Lebanon / France)
One of Europe’s most celebrated jazz artists. A Grammy nominee, Maalouf is renowned for blending Arabic maqams with jazz harmony and orchestral grandeur.
In 19 albums, Ibrahim Maalouf has gone from winner of the world's greatest international classical trumpet competitions to the most popular jazzman on the French music scene.
Merhnam Rastegari – Kamancheh (Iran)
Award-winning film score composer, singer, violinist, and master Kamancheh player, who brings Persian music in new directions by combining it with rock and modern fusion styles. A gifted young master of Persian classical music, known for fusing ancient traditions with global expression.
Lina Orfanos / Vocal (Greek-American)
Known for her multilingual repertoire and expressive style, spanning jazz, Mediterranean song, and lyrical storytelling.
