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13-year-old pianist takes the stage for Piano Days
Did you start to play the piano on your own or did your family encourage you to begin playing?
I started to play piano when I was 4 after my family signed me up for piano lessons. But, of course, you cannot continue such a thing without love and passion. It requires a lot of self-sacrifice.
How does it feel to have so many important international awards and to have performed concerts in famous concert halls at such a young age? What do you think is the secret of your success?
To receive what I worked for, getting applause and acclaim, of course, makes me very happy. The biggest secret to my success is working regularly and very hard.
How many hours do you play piano each day?
Before this year it was three hours, but now I have increased it to five hours. My dear teacher, Oya Ünler, wants me to study more, though. Do you compose your own pieces in addition to the compositions you perform from classical composers?
Yes, I have been composing from a very young age, and I have been taking classes on composing.
Why only piano? Will you try to play other instruments as well, or do you already play other instruments?
Piano is my main instrument. Aside from the piano, I take classes on conducting and the violin in order to compose.
Which pieces are your favorites to perform?
I don’t make a distinction normally, but I feel closer to the compositions of Chopin and Beethoven.
Which concert of yours, so far, do you think was the best?
It is hard to make a distinction among them, but my concert at Carnegie Hall and the collaboration I did with İdil Biret during the inauguration of the 35th International İstanbul Music Festival were very special ones for me.
What kind of music do you listen to apart from classical music?
Since my education is still continuing, I don’t really listen to other types of music. Sometimes I listen to jazz, though.
Do you go to school at the same time? How are your grades? What are your favorite classes?
Yes, I go to school. My grades are very good. Geography, history and chemistry are my favorite classes.
In the future, do you think you will continue your career as a pianist or do you want to try other professions as well?
I plan to continue being a pianist, but apart from that I also want to be a conductor and a composer.
Do you ever get bored of performing or the attention you receive?
No. On the contrary, it motivates me and makes me a better pianist.
How do your friends react to you being a child prodigy?
In the past, I had some problems, but now my classmates do not feel uneasy about this.
Is there anything you would like to add?
This year will be my last year in Turkey. I will continue my education abroad. During today’s concert perhaps I will say goodbye to İstanbul.
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