Baran Yildiz: Portrait of a Handpan Master Based in Sydney

Portrait of Ambre Montespan, editor of the Instruments du Monde Blog

Written by Ambre Montespan - Updated on May 8, 2026

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Have you just discovered one of the sublime melodies composed by Baran Yildiz? How does this percussionist manage to create such harmonically rich music with his handpan? What techniques does he use to achieve results like this? And what do we know about his journey and discography?

I first discovered this artist in 2019, when his debut album, Interbeing, was released, and I was quickly won over by the gentle tones he draws from an entirely metal instrument. I then dug deeper into his career to satisfy your curiosity about him.

After reading this article, you will discover:

How Baran Yildiz discovered the handpan, also known as Hang drum
The artistic style developed by this percussionist
His complete discography
And the various musical projects he has participated in

Baran Yildiz’s career won’t be a mystery anymore, and you’ll likely pick up a few fascinating details—especially about how he composes his pieces.

Now let’s take a closer look at how this artist discovered the handpan and how his musical path took shape.

Baran Yildiz in an orchestra playing his handpan

Who is Baran Yildiz, the famous handpan player?

Born in 1989 in Eskişehir, Turkey, Baran Yıldız has been surrounded by music since childhood. It runs in the family—both his maternal and paternal grandfathers were musicians—so this passion was passed down from generation to generation. Baran Yildiz quickly received training in classical piano before being introduced to drums and other percussion instruments. Despite his love of music, he initially pursued a science-focused path, enrolling in mechanical engineering at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul while continuing to play on the side. During his university years, Baran Yildiz developed a passion for jazz, formed cover bands, and performed at student concerts.

It was during his studies that he made a decisive choice that would shape the rest of his life. Eager to broaden his horizons, he left for the United States—Seattle, to be exact—for a study-abroad experience. There, he met Australian musicians and became friends with them. That connection led him to spend a year or two in Australia on a Work & Travel visa. What was meant to be a short stay turned into a whole new life: Baran Yildiz chose to settle in Australia long-term because he truly fell in love with the country. He has lived in the Sydney area ever since, where he continues his musical career.

In 2009, while travelling in Europe, he happened upon a street musician playing the handpan in Amsterdam. It was an instant revelation: he stood there for hours, captivated by the instrument’s airy, floating tones. “It was like love at first sight,” he later said about that chance encounter. Invented in Switzerland in the 2000s, the handpan appealed to Baran Yildiz for its warm, communal feel and its spiritual dimension. As a yoga and meditation practitioner, he connected deeply with the soothing, enveloping character of its soft metallic sound. And compared to instruments like piano or violin, the handpan also felt more immediately approachable, opening up a whole new space for creative expression.

In 2010, after returning to Australia, Baran Yıldız decided to devote all his energy to mastering the handpan. He had to wait several years before he could acquire his own instrument, as handpans were still rare on the market at that time. He finally got his own in 2015, and has hardly let it leave his side since.

What is the style and discography of this Hang drum player?

Thanks to his dual background as a pianist and jazz drummer, Baran Yildiz brings a uniquely personal approach to the handpan—one that stands out even among other percussionists. His musician friends even say he plays the handpan “like a piano,” meaning with a strong focus on harmony, dynamics, and composition. In fact, Baran Yildiz has admitted in an interview that he first composes his future pieces on the piano before adapting them for the handpan. It’s an uncommon—perhaps even one-of-a-kind—method on the international handpan scene.

In addition, Baran Yildiz has a distinctly Eastern feel, rooted in his Turkish heritage, with accents and atmospheres that can evoke Africa, the Middle East, and Anatolia. He also sometimes performs alongside other instruments, such as didgeridoo or flute, reminiscent of the earlier days of the group Yatao. This expands his sonic palette and helps him push the handpan’s limits even further.

As a composer, Baran Yildiz has released two studio albums to date. His first album, Interbeing (2019), explores the idea of connecting the spiritual world with everyday life through his compositions. The melodies on this album create a meditative, introspective atmosphere, inviting listeners on an inner journey. Four years later, Baran Yildiz released Bridging Worlds in October 2023, a second album with a more modern, neoclassical sound. In Bridging Worlds, the harmonic writing feels more developed, reflecting the artist’s ongoing search to blend world music with elements of contemporary classical music. For a glimpse of his work, listen to the track “Tranquility” from his album Interbeing:

In addition to his albums, Baran Yildiz is regularly invited to perform at major world music events and handpan festivals in Australia. For example, he has played at the PanOz festival, a major annual gathering of handpan players in Australia, as well as at the Sydney Handpan Festival in the Blue Mountains for several years in a row. Baran Yildiz has also been invited to festivals abroad, such as the KiwiPan Festival in New Zealand in 2025.

What other musical projects does this percussionist of Turkish origin have in the works?

In Australia, he has been applauded on stage at the Lost Paradise Festival, a contemporary music event, as well as at the Canberra International Music Festival, a prestigious celebration spanning multiple genres. But one of his most talked-about performances took place far from Sydney: in September 2023, Baran was invited as a soloist for the opening concert of the 21st Northern Cyprus International Music Festival. In front of a large audience gathered in the historic setting of Bellapais Abbey, accompanied by the symphony orchestra conducted by Ali Hoca, he delivered an unforgettable performance blending classical music with the handpan’s distinctive sound. During this one-of-a-kind concert, Baran Yildiz performed several of his well-known pieces, such as “Children of the Universe” and “Perseverance,” alongside more traditional melodies. It was yet another reminder that this artist can truly bridge genres.

Beyond the stage, Baran Yildiz also devotes time to passing on his art. He regularly organises handpan workshops and courses in his studio for both beginners taking their first steps and more advanced players looking to level up. At the same time, Baran Yıldız offers online lessons to reach a wider audience, notably on the Master the Handpan platform, where he teaches a course titled “Music Theory Applied to the Handpan.” Discover everything this course has to offer by simply clicking on this link. You’ll be surprised how quickly you progress.

Baran Yildiz performing live in concert with his handpan

Get started with the handpan now with an excellent model

Baran Yildiz’s career is a perfect example of how music can become a bridge between cultures. Leaving Turkey with a foundation in classical music and Eastern rhythms, he embraced the West and Australia to shape his own sonic world. His handpan playing—both spiritual and highly technical—brings together East and West, tradition and modernity. Now, with all the information in this summary article, you know much more about Baran Yildiz’s fascinating musical journey.

However, if you want to compose captivating melodies like this percussionist, it is essential to get a high-quality handpan that will bring out your creativity. That’s why I recommend the models available at the Instruments du Monde store. You will find handpans with excellent acoustics, such as this model, which is unique in that it is entirely white.

Get an immediate preview of the sounds of this instrument by clicking on the image below:

While the handpan scene has many talented artists who generally perform solo, this is not the case for MEA, who are a duo of female musicians. This is quite rare, as to my knowledge there are only three popular duos among the best handpan players in the world.

Ambre Montespan

I’ve been passionate about world musical instruments for over 20 years, and I love sharing that passion for these unique, far-flung instruments with you. After travelling extensively around the globe, I’m deeply convinced of the benefits of music therapy—using music as a gentle, alternative form of healing. Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of people navigate challenges in their everyday lives.

Through these articles, I hope to pass on everything I’ve learned so these instruments are never forgotten, while also offering you an original way to grow and thrive in your own life.