Barış Kerem Bahar began his music education at a young age in the Children’s Choir of the Izmir State Opera and Ballet, where he participated as both a soloist and choir member in numerous performances.

            In 1997, he entered the viola department of the Izmir Dokuz Eylül University State Conservatory. In 2000, he received a Special Award at the Chamber Music Competition organized by the Sevda Cenap And Music Foundation and won second place at the 5th International Edirne Classical Music Competition in April 2002. He has performed works such as A. Stamitz Viola Concerto (Turkish Premiere), A. Vivaldi’s Two Viola Concerto, W.A. Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, and J.N. Hummel’s “Fantasie” with various orchestras.

            Bahar participated actively in viola and chamber music workshops/masterclasses with prominent artists such as Ruşen Güneş, Apple Hill Chamber Players, Michael Kelley, Prof. Lukas David, Ellen Jewitt, and Bruno Giuranna. He also worked on Mozart interpretations with Prof. Jerrold Rubinstein and on Baroque period style with Italian harpsichordist Giovanna Fabiano.

            He graduated with high honors from D.E.U. State Conservatory in 2007 and completed his master’s degree in viola at Istanbul University State Conservatory with high honors in 2012. In 2013, he was invited by the G. Puccini Conservatory in La Spezia, Italy, to give masterclasses and concerts in viola and chamber music.

            Bahar completed his proficiency in art education with high honors under the supervision of Prof. Beste Tıknaz Modiri at Istanbul University State Conservatory and continued his studies with Luca Morassutti at the “Luca Marenzio” Conservatory in Brescia, Italy. In 2015, he gave the world premiere of J.S. Bach’s G minor Viola Concerto at the Pietro Da Cemmo Hall in Brescia, Italy.

            In February 2017, he performed the world premiere of Ebru Güner CANBEY’s “Miniatures for Viola” during his recital in Italy. His first book, “Viyola Kitabı,” was published in January 2018, followed by his second book, “Lillian Fuchs, Bir Viyolacının Portresi,” in December 2018. His third book, containing stories and poems, “Aşk Üzerine Uzun Bir Öykü,” was published in 2020.

            Bahar has played with prestigious ensembles such as the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, Presidential Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Sion, and Çukurova State Symphony Orchestra. His works for solo viola, “Tomris and the Blacksea, op.1,” were published by Gems Music Publications in the USA and recorded by notable viola artist Paul Cortese in Spain.

            He currently serves as a faculty member at Istanbul Technical University Turkish Music State Conservatory and received the title of Associate Professor in 2021. He is the founding president of the Turkish Viola Society and a member of the International Viola Society (IVS) and the European String Teachers Association (ESTA).

            As of 2024, Barış Kerem Bahar is an official artist of Daddario, becoming the first Turkish classical musician to hold this title.