Guatemalan pianists showcase Latin America’s musical heritage in Türkiye concerts

Guatemalan pianists Roberto Perez Chamale and Yahaira Tubac are introducing the richness of Latin American music to Türkiye through concerts in Ankara and Istanbul.

Backed by Guatemala’s Embassy in Ankara, the artists performed in the capital on Sept. 28, winning praise for their show before continuing to Istanbul.

Chamale, a decorated graduate of Moscow’s Gnessin Music School, said playing in Istanbul carries special meaning because of the city’s deep historical and cultural importance.

He spoke of a long-standing fascination with Turkish music, crediting a Turkish friend for guiding him to composers such as Cemal Resit Rey. He said the Turkish song “Katibim” became one of his favorites when he first heard it and expressed admiration for world-renowned pianist and state artist Idil Biret, whose Naxos recordings he discovered at 18.

Chamale said his mission is to promote the diverse music of Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia and other Latin American nations. He emphasized the region’s traditions and culture as well as the influence of European classical music, calling it a fusion of two distinct worlds.

Tubac, who began piano studies at age 2.5 and has earned numerous awards, said sharing her music with Turkish audiences is a source of pride.

She described presenting Guatemala’s culture through music as a powerful experience and welcomed the chance to explore Turkish music further.

Tubac -- named among Forbes’ “100 Most Powerful Women in Central America” in 2024 -- called the recognition a major achievement. She praised Türkiye’s language, culture and people, saying her curiosity about the country has grown since arriving and has inspired her to discover Turkish pianists and their works.