Turkish composer Can Bekir Bilir's Kafka work premieres in Oxford

Turkish composer Dr. Can Bekir Bilir, having been selected in Oxford University's international project on Franz Kafka's manuscripts, brought the world premiere of his work titled "The Silent Songs of Josefine," composed in memory of the author, to the stage at the Oxford International Song Festival.

Oxford University had announced international competitions in 2022 as part of the art events organized for the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka's death. The university selected young Turkish composer Dr. Can Bekir Bilir in 2023 from among professors and composers worldwide to work in the fields of music and performing arts.

During the project process, Bilir was allocated an office in Oxford with the titles "Albi Rosenthal-Bodleian Fellow" and "Composer in Residence," and for two years, he examined Kafka's manuscripts, works, and secondary literature at the Bodleian Libraries and Special Collections. Having also learned the Yiddish language during this process, the composer focused on the themes of silence and non-human entities in Kafka's short stories in his works.

Following the initial recital given in June, the world premiere of his major work "The Silent Songs of Josefine," for which he wrote the libretto himself, took place on October 14 at the Oxford International Song Festival. While the performance at the Schwarzman Centre venue was staged by soprano Anna Dennis and pianist John Reid, Bilir became the first Turkish composer to have a work performed in this venue.