Kemal Belevi

Guitarist-composer Kemal Belevi makes music that reflects the diverse national influence present in his divided island homeland. He is noted both for his compositions and for his performing career. Belevi was born in Nicosia, Cyprus, in 1954. His background was in the island's Turkish-dominated northern part, but his music has reflected not only Turkish influences but those from Greece, the Middle East, and western Europe as well. Belevi took up the guitar when he was 11, and at 14, he joined his brother's band, playing rock and pop music. His interest in the classical guitar persisted, though, and he moved to the UK in 1972, so he could pursue further studies; he remained in the UK until 1996. He enrolled in music classes at Southgate College (now part of Barnet and Southgate College) in 1974, and three years later auditioned for composer William Lloyd Webber (father of Andrew and Julian), who suggested that he apply to the London College of Music. Belevi did so and was admitted. He studied composition with Britten's student David McBridge and guitar with David Russell. In 1981, he was offered a fellowship by the college for further study, and several of his guitar compositions are still used by the school as examination pieces. As a performer, Belevi has given recitals around the UK, continental Europe, Turkey, and Cyprus. He is in demand for master classes at guitar festivals and as a competition jury member. He has also written a guitar method. Belevi began releasing his guitar compositions to the world in 1985, issuing Five Preludes for David Russell for a premiere in London the following year. He has written five guitar concertos and, since 2001, a variety of chamber works. Belevi has often performed his music, but the extent to which it has been performed by others, including in Russia, is noteworthy. Belevi's Five Romantic Pieces were recorded by guitarist Philippe Villa in 2003. In 2020, Duo Tandem issued an album of Belevi's guitar duos, with each musician recording his part remotely during the coronavirus pandemic.
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