I am a composer dedicated to evoking powerful emotional responses through music, aiming to create works that resonate deeply with listeners and offer an experience beyond words.
Born in Ankara in 1994 into a musical family, I was immersed in both Western classical music and the folk traditions of my homeland. This blend of influences profoundly shaped my music, inspiring me to weave elements from both Eastern and Western traditions and explore universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries.
My musical journey began at the Antalya State Conservatory in Turkey, where I studied piano, grounding myself in Western classical music. I later pursued composition at Bilkent University, also in Turkey, further developing both my technical skills and creative vision. In 2022, I earned my Master’s degree from the Sibelius Academy in Finland—an experience that broadened my artistic perspective and refined my craft in an international context. I have also participated in numerous international composition programs and workshops, collaborating with musicians from around the world.
To me, music is a reflection of my personal journey as an artist. Each composition embodies this evolution, inviting listeners to connect with the universal aspects of the human experience.
One such work is Sirius, a piece named after the brightest star in the night sky. Its harmonic language evokes the star’s twinkling quality, exploring the fluid relationship between the tonic and the sixth degree to capture the sensation of light in motion. The interplay between minor and major thirds within a chord reflects the unpredictable and fleeting nature of the star’s rapidly changing hues. This composition is an attempt to express my personal response to natural phenomena, as the music shifts from one state of mind to another, echoing the essence of light and emotion.
Another piece, Encounters, is a journey through my belief that musical material, in its purest form, exists independently. I come into contact with these singular formations through a process of deep listening and intuition. The “encounters” in the piece guide my understanding, moving through layered modal and spectral worlds and embracing the surprise of spontaneous musical meetings.
One recent work, not yet premiered, explores the timeless concept of the “path”—a metaphor embedded in spiritual, philosophical, and psychological traditions. This piece is the result of an ongoing, personal process: my own journey through life. The music begins with Invocation, an imagined shamanic ritual. Accented notes represent a shaman striking a drum, with rapid figures echoing prayers that reverberate through the natural world. These motifs gradually dissolve into fading resonance, marking the transition to Search. In this section, themes of seeking and remembering dominate. The return of motifs from Invocation suggests a shared subconscious between the ancient and modern seeker.
The final section, Sense and Discovery, features tremolos and pauses that suggest uncertainty. As the music unfolds, motifs transform, symbolizing personal growth and inner discovery. The individual finds peace by understanding their role within the greater design.
This piece is a utopian journey, offered in response to the world’s cruelty. I dedicate it to all the children of the world—and to the wounded child that still lives within every adult.
As a member of the Finnish Composer Society, I am proud to contribute to a community that values both classical traditions and innovative expressions. My music, shaped by my diverse cultural heritage, seeks to speak to shared human experiences, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. Thank you for the opportunity to share my music and be part of this esteemed organization.
Photo: Başak Oktay