Gülsin Onay Piano Festival, organized in cooperation with Famagusta Municipality, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and Cyprus Polyphonic Choir Association (KPKD), took place for the first time between the 4th and 6th of July, 2019 in Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center in Famagusta
In a broad sense, the cultural structure of both Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Famagusta are contributed with the first-ever organized Piano Festival in TRNC and, in a more specific aspect, a number of opportunities are provided for all amateur pianists from different age groups. Some of the said opportunities include; making an appearance, delivering a performance, contributing the repertoire development by listening to other pianists and finally, evaluation of the training of the pianists with respect to an academic and artistic aspect.
Turkish Cypriot pianists Esra Poyrazoğlu Alpa, Arman Ratip and Gözdem İlkay as well as pianist Atakan Sarı from Turkey performed during the festival that included piano workshops and seminars.
The Opening Concert performed by Gülsin Onay
Renowned pianist Gülsin Onay from Turkey performed the opening concert of the festival on the 4th of July, 2019, Thursday at 20:30. TRNC Parliamentary Speaker Teberrüken Uluçay, Nicosia Ambassador for the Turkish Republic Ali Murat Başçeri, Security Forces Commander Brigadier General Tevfik Algan, Cyprus Turkish Peace Force Commander Major General Yılmaz Yıldırım, TRNC Chief Justice Narin Ferdi Şefik and members of the society were present at the concert.
Honored with the award of a State Medal by the Polish nation and acknowledged as one of the greatest Chopin interpreters in the world, Turkish pianist Gülsin Onay interpreted the works of various world famous artists including Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata, Chopin’s Ballade No.3 and Nocturne Op.48 No.2, Bach’s Italian Concerto and Franck’s Prelude, Choral et Fuge during the recital.
The festival in memory of Cypriot piano instructor Jale Derviş was organized by Cyprus Polyphonic Choir Association chorists, choir chefs Erkan Dağlı and Rana Uluçay and, their executive board member Esra Uluçaylı. Awards were presented at the end of the festival; Gülsin Onay Special Award to Görsev Tepe, Jale Derviş Special Award to Pelin Ece Acar, EMU Special Award to Papatya Biter, Cyprus Polyphonic Choir Association (KPKD) Special Award to Beste Tanrıyakulu, Jury Special Award to Gizel Aktuğ and the Best Liszat Interpreter Award to İpek Fatoş Zorba.
