Irem lives and breathes four cultures; that of Turkey, Argentina, England and Quebec, Canada. With such muses, a production by Irem literally offers a world of possibilities.
Singer, songwriter and performer that Alain Brunet, of La Presse, calls "Living Heritage" is born in Istanbul. She leaves for England at the age of eight, where she obtains diplomas in classical ballet and jazz dance from the Elmhurst Ballet School and perfected at the Royal Academy of Dance in London. In addition, Irem graduates from the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, where she perfects her skills in theatre, radio arts, television, direction, music and singing.
ARGENTINA
In 1985, Irem moves to Argentina, where she begins a prolific career in theatre, television, film and music. She assimilates techniques of voice in traditional song and traditional dances and zapateo (Argentine podorythmia). In 2001 İrem creates a multidisciplinary work (zapateo, theatre, song and dance) entitled Medea, la voz de la sangre, presented on various Argentine stages from 2002 to 2005. Having won the respect of several emblematic figures of Argentina, Irem is invited by the famous Mercedes Sosa to participate in her concerts (En Familia in 1994 and Al despertar in 1998). Journalist Pablo Gorlero, in his book ‘Teatro Musical 1 Broadway’ (2013), mentions Irem as "one of the personalities who strongly influenced the Argentine art scene".
QUEBEC, CANADA
In 2008, arrived in Quebec, she forms the Irem Bekter Quintet, which is part of the program of the Festival International de jazz de Montréal 2010. Then follows a first album titled Primero. The ensemble multiplies its stage presence with a tour of more than 35 concerts. During her visit to Turkey in 2012 after 30 years of absence, she rediscovers her cultural heritage. Followed by this trip, a CALQ scholarship holder, in 2013, she perfects her knowledge of Turkish music and song. Then, Irem explores her biographical journey by creating and interpreting works in four languages of her various musical influences. As a result, her show Vertige en 4 temps (2014) which benefits from wide circulation in Montreal and very good press reviews.
Since 2019, a new musical direction appears in Irem's work, engaging her towards an unprecedented stylistic hegemony. On that note, will Irem will be launching her new album JE SUIS ICI on September 30, 2020 at the Outremont Theatre in Montreal.
After having left Turkey at the age of 8 years, wherever I lived, whether in England, Argentina or here in Canada, I always felt the visceral need to ground myself in my new land. I have always carried with me that constructive diversity. All this opens the door to multiple tracks of creative thinking and sharing .
- İrem