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Teslim (Tes-LEEM) means both 'commit' and 'surrender' in Turkish and
features two well known Bay Area musicians: violinist Kaila Flexer and Gari
Hegedus on oud, Turkish saz, Greek lauoto and other (mostly plucked) stringed
instruments. This potent duo performs Greek, Turkish and Sephardic music. In
addition, both Flexer and Hegedus are composers whose original music is based on
these fertile traditions.
Both seasoned performers and recording artists, Teslim released its debut
(self-titled) CD in December 2008. This unusual duo is at home in classical,
early music, and folk music venues and holds workshops on a variety of topics.
Kaila Flexer is a violinist, composer and music educator. In addition to
performing and recording with Teslim, Flexer also performs with Shira Kammen and
three other fiddlers in the Oakland Folkharmonic. Flexer founded and produced
Klezmer Mania!, a much-loved annual Bay Area event for over 10 years (1989-2002)
and currently produces Pomegranates and Figs: A Feast of Jewish Music. She has
been at the helm of bands such as Third Ear, Next Village and Kaila Flexer's
Fieldharmonik, ensembles that featured her original material.
She has performed both nationally internationally with her own ensembles as well
as with groups including The Hollis Taylor-Kaila Flexer Duo, Club Foot Orchestra
and KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble. In addition Teslim's release, Kaila has
recorded two CD's of original music for Compass Records (Nashville). Flexer has
a thriving studio of students of all ages. She encourages folk musicians to read
music, classical musicians to improvise and to play by ear and everyone to enjoy
music and to find and appreciate their own voice. www.kailaflexer.com.
Gari Hegedus in addition to playing in Teslim, is sought-after for his very personal
and heartfelt approach to music. In addition to performing with world music
groups Janam, The Helladelics, Eliyahu and the Qadim Ensemble, Hamed Nikpay, and
numerous other Bay Area Balkan ensembles, he is a luthier and spends many hours
making instruments - repairing old sazes and ouds he finds and coaxing out the
true voice of these treasures. Gari has studied with oud master Naseer Shamma.
He has toured with the Mevlevi Dervish (Sufi) Order of America and continues to
participate in Turkish ceremonial and devotional gatherings around the country.
www.garihegedus.com.
Kaila and Gari were thrilled to collaborate with their musical mentors
Ross Daly and Kelly Thoma in a U.S. tour in October of 2012.
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![[Teslim by Teslim]](/music/Teslim/Teslim/cover_200.webp "Teslim by Teslim")
Teslim
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