Taksim in the Roda brings together musicians from across Codarts for a live, unfolding musical experience inspired by traditions from the Silk Roads and Brazil. The evening moves from intimate solo expression to collective groove, ending in an open, joyful Global Carnival.

The evening begins in the Small Hall with short live performances centred around improvisation. Musicians explore taksim - a free, expressive form found across Maqam and folk traditions - sharing how melodies grow, wander, and speak in the moment.

After this, we move to the Large Hall, where the atmosphere shifts. A Traditional Roda de Choro opens the space: musicians seated in a circle, music flowing, rhythms locking in. Gradually, more musicians join, traditions overlap, and the circle opens into a Global Roda Carnival.

There is no strict boundary between stage and audience. You can listen, move, dance, or join in. The music grows through participation, curiosity, and shared energy.

This is an evening to experience how music brings people together. Whether you stay for a moment or the whole night, whether you play, listen, or simply observe, you are welcome.

Come for a drink, discover something new, and enjoy a vibrant night of music at WMDC Codarts.

A Few Words on the Music You’ll Hear

What is Taksim?
Taksim is a form of musical improvisation found in many traditions across the Middle East, Turkey, Greece, and neighbouring regions along the historic Silk Roads. It is often played solo and without a fixed rhythm, allowing the musician to explore mood, melody, and emotion freely. Rather than following a written score, taksim unfolds in the moment - it is personal, expressive, and deeply connected to listening.

What do we mean by Silk Roads?
The Silk Roads refer to the vast network of cultural routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe. In music, this means traditions that share ideas, sounds, and ways of improvising across borders. During the evening, you’ll hear how these musical worlds speak to one another through melody and improvisation.

What is a Roda de Choro?
A roda is a circle, and choro is one of Brazil’s most vibrant instrumental music styles. In a Roda de Choro, musicians sit in a circle, playing, responding, and improvising together. There is no clear front or stage - the music flows through interaction, groove, and shared energy. The roda creates a space where musicians listen closely, take turns, and build the music together.

When taksim meets the roda, solo expression and collective rhythm come together - opening the space for a shared, joyful musical experience.