EARTH AND SKY

EARTH AND SKY
Earth and Sky brings together Swiss pan flutist Michel Tirabosco and harpist Şirin Pancaroğlu, presenting a modern interpretation of the millennia-old history of mythological and mystical instruments that have bridged the divine and the earthly since time began. The pure sounds of the pan flute, drawing from nature, and the celestial tones of the harp create a magical harmony, offering listeners an unforgettable experience. www.micheltirabosco.ch www.sirinpancaroglu.com.tr

Two Music Ambassadors
Pancaroğlu and Tirabosco, whose musical acquaintance dates back to their high school years in Geneva, have embarked on very different musical journeys, but thanks to their common roots and passion for music, they have reunited and are sharing the extraordinary synergy of their instruments. Their similar artistic developments, starting from classical training and extending to world music, have made this reconnection even more meaningful.
The technical innovations that Michel Tirabosco brought to the pan flute – arranging the instrument in C major and developing it to cover the same range as the flute – and Şirin Pancaroğlu’s revival of the forgotten chang (çengi) instrument, show the determination of both artists to transcend traditional boundaries, along with the path Pancaroğlu has taken in bringing Turkish music into the harp repertoire and introducing it to harpists around the world,

Pan Flute and Harp
The pan flute and harp have been considered as instruments of the gods, angels, and supernatural beings since ancient times. The pan flute takes its name from Pan, the half-goat, half-human god in Greek mythology. According to the legend, Pan fell in love with the beautiful nymph Syrinx, but Syrinx fled from his advances and sought refuge with her father, the river god Ladon. Just as Pan was about to capture her, the gods transformed Syrinx into reeds. Angrily, Pan shattered the reeds, but later regretted it and created the first pan flute by piecing together seven pieces of varying lengths from the broken reeds. The mournful sound produced as the wind passed through the reeds reminded Pan of his lover’s voice. The harp similarly has deep mythological roots. In ancient Greece, the lyre (the predecessor of the harp) was invented by the god Hermes and given as a gift to the god of music, Apollo. In Irish mythology, Dagda’s magical harp is described as a powerful instrument that could make listeners laugh, cry, or fall into a deep sleep.
In Celtic legends, the harp is depicted as a magical instrument that bridges the gap between nature and the human spirit, opening the doors to the fairy realms. Originating from Mesopotamia, the harp, with its mystical connotations, has made its presence felt in all forms of art, embarking on a long journey following the Silk Road to reach China and Japan, and leaving its mark in many variations on every region it passed through.

Michel Tirabosco
Born in Rome in 1968, the Swiss pan flute virtuoso has written an extraordinary success story in his musical career, which began at the age of 7. Thanks to his exceptional talent at a young age, he gave his first symphonic orchestra concert at 16 and recorded his first album at 18. He was the first graduate of the Geneva Conservatory to receive a diploma in both pan flute and transverse flute, and possesses a wide repertoire ranging from classical music to Romanian folklore, his own compositions, and world music.
Tirabosco is currently on a world tour as a soloist with the renowned violinist André Rieu’s Johann Strauss Orchestra, having performed at many prestigious events, including the Myra Hess Concert in Washington, the Delft and Ljubljana Festivals, and concerts in Melbourne and Atlanta. The artist also performed for an audience of 13,000 at the Christmas concerts in Maastricht in December 2024. /Michel Tirabosco.

Şirin Pancaroğlu
Şirin Pancaroğlu is Türkiye’s most renowned harpist – a musical visionary whose art stems from a profound synthesis of technical mastery, emotional depth, and intellectual curiosity. Born in Ankara in 1968, her career challenges traditional categories, with her colleagues describing her as having “an observant and curious nature that constantly questions established patterns.”
This innovative spirit allows the artist to uniquely blend Western classical tradition with Turkish music, electronic experiments, and historical reenactments.
At the heart of Pancaroğlu’s approach lies an emotional and intellectual journey of discovery that transcends mere technical performance. Her calm stage presence, often described as radiating a sincere and unpretentious warmth, conceals a highly creative mind. This duality allows her to navigate diverse musical landscapes such as historical exploration, environmental advocacy, and cross-cultural dialogue. Pancaroğlu has organized over 60 events in 13 countries with the Turkish Harp project in 2024, and has given concerts in such prestigious venues around the world as the Kennedy Center, Konserthuset Stockholm, Gulbenkian, Takemitsu Memorial Hall Tokyo, and Kings Place London. The artist has released 12 albums and 5 singles, and is also known for reviving one of the forgotten Ottoman instruments, the çengi.

The program
The program consists of carefully selected works from the extensive repertoires of both artists, including World music influences from Baroque to Classical, works for harp and pan flute by contemporary composers, as well as compositions by both artists..