Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

1978

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Cenk Ergün is a Turkish-American composer of contemporary classical music. He was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1978 and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a composer and his mother was a pianist, so music was always a part of his life. Ergün began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and drums. Ergün studied music at the Istanbul State Conservatory and later at the Istanbul Technical University. He then moved to the United States to pursue further studies in music composition. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He also earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Columbia University. Ergün's compositions are known for their unique blend of traditional Turkish music and contemporary classical music. He often incorporates elements of Turkish folk music, such as microtonal scales and rhythmic patterns, into his compositions. He has also been influenced by the works of composers such as György Ligeti, Steve Reich, and John Cage. One of Ergün's most notable works is his composition "Sonata for Solo Violin," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic. The piece was premiered in 2016 by violinist Jennifer Koh and has since been performed by numerous other violinists around the world. The piece is known for its intricate use of microtonal scales and its exploration of the limits of the violin's range. Another notable work by Ergün is his composition "The Art of Metal II," which was commissioned by the Bang on a Can All-Stars. The piece features a combination of acoustic and electronic instruments and explores the sonic possibilities of metal objects. The piece has been performed at numerous festivals and concerts around the world. Ergün has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and artists. He has worked with the Kronos Quartet, the International Contemporary Ensemble, and the JACK Quartet, among others. He has also collaborated with visual artists, dancers, and filmmakers on various projects. In addition to his work as a composer, Ergün is also a professor of music composition at the University of Michigan. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Guggenheim Fellowship. Overall, Cenk Ergün is a highly respected composer in the world of contemporary classical music. His unique blend of traditional Turkish music and contemporary classical music has earned him a reputation as a groundbreaking and innovative composer. His works continue to be performed and celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world.

More....