Role

:

Composer Performer

 

Onur Türkmen is a Turkish classical music composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born on May 5, 1985, in Istanbul, Turkey, Türkmen showed an interest in music from a young age. He began playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the guitar and the violin. Türkmen's parents were supportive of his musical interests and encouraged him to pursue his passion. Türkmen's formal music education began at the Istanbul State Conservatory, where he studied composition with renowned Turkish composer Hasan Uçarsu. He later continued his studies at the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul, where he earned a bachelor's degree in composition. Türkmen's education also included a master's degree in composition from the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria. Türkmen's compositions are characterized by their unique blend of traditional Turkish music and Western classical music. He draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including Turkish folk music, classical music, and contemporary music. Türkmen's music is known for its emotional depth, intricate harmonies, and use of unconventional instruments. One of Türkmen's most notable works is his "Concerto for Ney and Orchestra," which was premiered in 2012 by the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra. The ney is a traditional Turkish flute, and Türkmen's concerto showcases the instrument's unique sound and capabilities. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores different aspects of the ney's sound and character. The concerto has been praised for its innovative use of the ney and its ability to bridge the gap between traditional Turkish music and Western classical music. Another of Türkmen's notable works is his "Symphony No. 1," which was premiered in 2015 by the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra in Ankara, Turkey. The symphony is a four-movement work that draws inspiration from Turkish folk music and classical music. The piece is characterized by its use of unconventional instruments, including the ney, the kemençe (a traditional Turkish stringed instrument), and the darbuka (a type of drum). The symphony has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to capture the essence of Turkish music. Türkmen's other works include chamber music, vocal music, and electronic music. His chamber music includes works for string quartet, piano trio, and solo instruments. His vocal music includes art songs and choral works, many of which draw on Turkish poetry for their texts. Türkmen's electronic music explores the intersection of traditional Turkish music and electronic music, and often incorporates field recordings of traditional Turkish instruments and sounds. Türkmen's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra, the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Arditti Quartet. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Young Composer Award from the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and the Turgut Pöğün New Music Award. In addition to his work as a composer, Türkmen is also a professor of composition at the Istanbul Technical University Turkish Music State Conservatory. He is dedicated to teaching the next generation of composers and helping to promote Turkish music on the world stage.

More....