Melisa Yıldırım is a Istanbul-born kamancha (kemane) player, composer and improviser whose work bridges Anatolian musical traditions with contemporary, cross-cultural expression. Rooted in the rich modal languages of Anatolia, the Middle East and surrounding regions, her sound moves fluidly between folk heritage, Sufi influences, jazz-informed improvisation and modern experimental music.

She began playing kamancha during her high school years and went on to study at the State Conservatory of Turkish Music at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), where she graduated with first-class honours. Early in her career she gained recognition after winning first prize in the “kemane” category at the Teke Region Folk Instruments Competition in Turkey.

Since then, Melisa has developed an international artistic profile through collaborations, residencies and performances across Europe, the UK and the United States. She has participated in projects such as Making Tracks (UK), OneBeat (USA), and Sound Bridge, and has performed at venues including Barbican Centre and festivals such as the London Jazz Festival and WOMEX.

Her work often explores the intersection of traditional Anatolian forms and contemporary soundscapes, combining acoustic performance with improvisation and electroacoustic elements. Alongside her solo practice, she collaborates with musicians from diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, creating dialogue-driven projects that reflect both tradition and transformation.

Melisa’s recent work continues to expand her sonic language through international touring, interdisciplinary collaborations and experimental ensemble projects, positioning her as a distinctive voice in the field of contemporary global music.