In October and November 2002, UK violinist Peter Sheppard Skaerved and pianist Aaron Shorr performed a concert of works by contemporary Turkish composers and held workshops with conservatoire students in Ankara, Eskişehir and Bursa to develop the teaching and understanding of contemporary music in Turkey. The ‘Turkish Composer's Concert by British Performers’ was unique because it marked the first time for British artists to perform a completely Turkish repertory (indeed, the first time for any non-Turkish artist). The lecture concerts in which Peter and Aaron presented ‘new’ works by young composers from the UK and across the globe, were also a great success.

The main aim of this project was to introduce ‘new’ music as an alternative to ‘contemporary’ music to Turkish musicians. New music, in Peter's understanding, is music made yesterday if not later. Taking this approach to Turkish music schools could have proved risky, as most tutors do not teach music composed since the 1950s. That the event prove such a major success is a testament to Peter and Aaron’s hard work and commitment. Many members of the Turkish music community hope the event will prove to have been an instructive one for Turkish promoters and concert hall managers. In addition, good relations were established with several conservatoires and music departments in Turkey, and teachers had the opportunity to learn about new kinds of music. The workshops were well received and British Council Turkey plan to continue developing the teaching of (as well as audiences for) contemporary music next year; developing relations with students and teachers alike, who have expressed interest in the continuation of similar programmes. Their long term intention is to establish a Turkish ‘Modern Music Ensemble’.