Burhan Ocal

Currently living in Istanbul and Zurich, Switzerland, Burhan Öçal found himself in the bosom of the world of music and art from the very first days of his arrival in Europe. His inclination and enthusiasm for discovering new horizons led him to meet prominent global musicians and artists at an early age, with many of whom he had joint projects, and he continues working with them today
During his early years in Switzerland, Burhan Öçal worked with Pierre Favre, a national jazz celebrity. His works with Swiss jazz piano artist George Gruntz, world renowned Portuguese classical pianist Maria João Pires and Australian pianist Peter Waters followed..
Having performed several concerts across the globe, prominently in Europe, Öçal’s true vision had been to reach out to America and act in Hollywood. Meeting the legendary Joe Zawinul, the creator of Weather Report, radically changed his career plans. He performed as a soloist for 10 years as a part of Zawinul’s symphonic jazz project.

Öçal’s first solo album has been the Butcher's Dance. During the same period, he made albums with his funk jazz band “Burhan Öçal Group”. Never losing touch with his roots, Öçal formed the “Istanbul Oriental Ensemble”. In the course of 16 years, the band gave concerts across the globe and became a world famous ensemble. The first two albums, Gypsy Rum and Sultan’s Secret Door, which Öçal recorded with the “Istanbul Oriental Ensemble” received the “Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik” award, the German equivalent of Grammy. During that time, he met Sting with whom he has performed for many years. He gave concerts in several countries, including prominently the US, alongside the world famous Kronos Quartet. In the same year, Öçal met Eliot Fisk, the renowned classical guitarist. This duo gave concerts across the US and Europe for 10 years. Öçal released the Groove Alla Turca album with American jazz bass guitar player Jamaaladeen Tacuma, an important jazz artist and also a close friend. His solo album Jardin Otoman received Le Monde de la Musique’s “Choc” award.
Having great interest in the Ottoman era, the artist started a 36 CD project called “Sultan” in remembrance of the 36 sultans which he intends to complete within the next 10 years. Burhan Öçal recorded two albums and gave various concerts alongside “Trakya All Stars band”, which he formed as a tribute to his home town Kirklareli.

He is a regular guest at the Jazz Festivals in Montreal (where he before an audience of 150 thousand) Montreux, Chicago, Paris, Rome, Istanbul, Vienna, Berlin as well as at the Womad World Music Festival.
Öçal also performs as a soloist with many Symphony Orchestras. With British conductor Howard Griffiths and the Zurich Chamber Orchestra he released the Concerto alla Turca album in 2007. Öçal is currently working on two major pieces for him and orchestra.

Öçal’s undying passion for cinema led him to acting. He is playing the lead part in several cinema films and some television dramas. He had been the ad star for the renowned Derimod brand and was performing for a video clip alongside hip hop artist Pharrel Williams during a commercial shoot for the Hennessy brand, Öçal became the ad face of the brand in the US. He works with artist like the world famous photographer and director Michel Comte.