Issa Boulos is a composer, 'ud performer, critic, researcher, writer and lyricist, his works have covered various genres and acquired worldwide recognition. He is a lecturer at the University of Chicago where he directs the Middle East Music Ensemble.

Nermin Kaygusuz is an Associate Professor at Istanbul Technical University, in the Social Science Institute. She was born in Ankara, and studied with many masters including Tülin Korman, Özdal Orhon, Erdoğan Saydam , Sadettin Heper, Yalçın Tura, Demirhan Altuğ, Bekir Sıtkı Sezgin, İhsan Özgen, and Ercümend Berker. She is a member in several Turkish groups including Türk Müziğinde Yeni Arayışlar. She is a highly celebrated performer and scholar, both locally and internationally. Nermin has two recordings out: Gönülden Damlalar and Kemençe ve Gitarla Saz Eserleri.

Rif - their first colaborative recording - features Nermin Kaygusuz on kemence (Turkish fiddle) performing original compositions by Issa Boulos. The work explores conceptual, technical and interpretational aspects of maqam music making. This music portrays the qualitative properties of true, authentic Turkish music.
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