Role

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Composer  

Country

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Turkey

 

Mesut Özgen is a renowned classical guitarist and composer who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born in Ankara, Turkey, in 1965, Özgen showed an early interest in music and began playing the guitar at the age of nine. He was inspired by the music of his country and the works of great composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. Özgen's talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly became a sought-after performer in Turkey. He studied at the Ankara State Conservatory and later at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna, Austria, where he received his diploma in guitar performance. He also studied composition with renowned composers such as Friedrich Cerha and Erich Urbanner. Özgen's career as a performer began in the early 1990s when he won several international guitar competitions, including the International Guitar Competition in Istanbul and the Guitar Foundation of America International Solo Competition. These victories brought him international recognition and led to performances in major concert halls around the world. One of Özgen's most notable performances was at the Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1996. He performed a program of works by Bach, Sor, and Piazzolla, which received critical acclaim. The New York Times praised his "virtuosic technique and musical sensitivity," and his performance was described as "spellbinding." Özgen has also performed with many renowned orchestras, including the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, and the New York Chamber Symphony. He has collaborated with many distinguished musicians, including the cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the violinist Midori. In addition to his career as a performer, Özgen is also a prolific composer. He has written works for solo guitar, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. His compositions are influenced by his Turkish heritage and often incorporate elements of Turkish folk music. His works have been performed by many renowned musicians, including the guitarist David Russell and the cellist Jian Wang. Özgen has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1997, he was awarded the Outstanding Young Artist Award by the Turkish Ministry of Culture. He has also received the Aaron Copland Award and the ASCAP Award for his compositions. Özgen is currently a professor of guitar at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. He is also the founder and artistic director of the Miami International GuitART Festival, which brings together guitarists and composers from around the world for performances and masterclasses. In conclusion, Mesut Özgen is a highly accomplished classical guitarist and composer who has made significant contributions to the world of music. His virtuosic technique and musical sensitivity have earned him international recognition, and his compositions have been performed by many renowned musicians. He continues to inspire and educate future generations of musicians through his work as a professor and festival director.

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