kaval player, composer,
ethnomusicologist
what they said?
Leonhard Paul
Mnozil Brass
Vienna, Austria
I met Batuhan Aydın in 2013 at a concert in Germany. We had a great time with many sessions. I enjoyed playing with him—he’s the kind of musician who uses his ears, eyes, and whole body when playing his ‘magic flute’.
His intimate and intense sound, his incredible phrasing, the colors in the voice of his instruments—he plays flutes in keys I never even knew existed—this guy never showed a sad face. He’s living sunshine on earth. Even my children were captivated by his character.
I'd love to meet him again. And if you ever get the chance to hear or meet him—don’t miss it!
Prof. Bernhard Vanecek
University of Music and Performing Arts
Mannheim, Germany
Batuhan Aydın is a great virtuoso on the kaval. As an authentic traditional kaval player, he combines traditional Balkan music with modern jazz in a unique way, full of feeling and energy. It’s amazing to hear Batuhan’s sound creations with his instrument, in so many different colors.
Batuhan Aydın is not a musician — he is music itself!
Nedyalko Nedyalkov
Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) Artist
Sofia, Bulgaria
I would say that Batuhan Aydın is a representative of a new generation of kaval players who stay true to their traditional musical backgrounds while exploring new styles in a creative way.
In my opinion, Aydın’s creative and innovative approach to music creates a fresh and unique style.
Prof. Lyuben Dossev
Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
I met Batuhan Aydın at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts – "Prof. Asen Diamandiev" in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
First of all, he is a very talented instrumentalist. After just one year of studying together, Aydın was already playing most traditional Bulgarian kaval techniques and musical styles masterfully. I don’t even think it’s necessary to mention his mastery of the Turkish kaval.
After returning to Türkiye, Aydın founded KAPIKO—a band consisting of four great musicians who managed to create their own unique style. I admire their sound.
Without a doubt, Batuhan Aydın represents the future of the kaval on the world stage!
Prof. Hristijan Nikolovski
UGD Faculty of Music Art
Štip, North Macedonia
I had—if I recall correctly—the opportunity to make music with Batuhan Aydın at an event in Serbia in 2017, though we had known each other before. He is a well-known artist, especially in Balkan countries like Bulgaria, Serbia, and my homeland, Macedonia.
I don't even know where to begin...
There's not much that needs to be said about his kaval virtuosity—it speaks for itself. Instead, I’d like to say a few words about his character. We became close friends shortly after we started working together, and we’ve supported each other on many occasions since. He is someone who has the ability to make everyone around him fly. When Batuhan Aydın enters a room, you just know—he’s the star of the evening.
I feel truly lucky to call him a friend and to have had the chance to make music with him.
Prof. Bruno Cândido
Conservatório Regional de Castelo Branco
Castelo Branco, Portugal
I met Batuhan Aydın in 2015 at an international festival on Terceira, an island in the Azores of Portugal. I had the opportunity to work with him while conducting the international "COFIT" orchestra.
Batuhan is, above all, a person of great modesty and a fine sense of humor.
He is, by all means, a fantastic musician. The emotional power of his music is so overwhelming that it makes you say, "That's what real music is." It comes so naturally—he truly has music in his blood.
Among all the musicians in the orchestra, Batuhan Aydın left the strongest impression on me. It was a great pleasure to work with him, and I sincerely hope to do so again in the future.
What a quality!
Osman Aktaş
Turkish National Radio (TRT) Artist
Istanbul, Turkey
The sound of the kaval has been reverberating freely for hundreds of years across Anatolia, and in recent times, it has rightfully found a place in orchestras all over Türkiye.
That’s why I feel great pride in Batuhan Aydın, who, despite his young age, has inspired so many people to fall in love with the instrument.
He has become the leading figure of modern kaval in Türkiye.
Musicians like Batuhan are a driving force in accelerating the evolution of the kaval. I hope the spirit of his music and the brilliance of his breath will always remain as timeless and radiant as they are today!
Dr. Erman Türkili
FSU and PSU, USA
Istanbul BAU Conservatory, Turkey
I met Batuhan Aydın while rehearsing for a project and had the chance to perform with him. Alongside our professional relationship, we also became good friends.
Batuhan is a talented and dedicated musician, open to a wide range of styles including traditional music from around the world, classical music, and jazz.
As an academic and concert violinist, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him. I can confidently say that I’ve gained a lot from his musical insights and his warm, friendly character.
Haydar Tanrıverdi
ITU Turkish Music State Conservatory
Istanbul, Turkey
In all of my 28 years as a lecturer in Kaval at the ITU Turkish Music State Conservatory, I have encountered only a very small number of students who match the talent and musicality of Batuhan Aydın.
What makes him truly special is not only his high-level mastery of Turkish folk music, but also his deep understanding of other traditional styles—especially Bulgarian folk music. His dedication to musical traditions beyond the one he was raised in has enabled him to create a unique and personal style.
I believe it is not only his technical command of the instrument, but also his respectful and sincere attitude that will allow him to reach and fulfill his musical goals and dreams.
Batuhan Aydın is, without a doubt, one of the most important kaval players of his generation. I am certain he will make significant contributions not only to the music of Türkiye, but also to world music. I wish him all the best!