Fazıl Say: 10 Must-Know Facts About the Pianist/Composer
October 1, 2024
On November 16, 2024, Fazıl Say takes the stage at Dalton Center Recital Hall for The Gilmore’s 2024/25 season. Before his performance, discover what makes this pianist-composer a standout in the classical world:
1. Child Prodigy
Say began playing piano at four and composing at six. By 15, he entered the Ankara State Conservatory, launching his remarkable career [1].
2. New York Breakthrough
In 1994, Say won the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, catapulting him onto the global stage [2].
3. Prolific Composer
With over 80 works, including symphonies, oratorios, and concertos, Say is as much a creator as a performer [3].
4. East Meets West
Say’s compositions, like “Istanbul Symphony,” blend Western classical and Turkish folk music, creating a unique sound [4].
5. Mozart Mastery
Critics praise Say’s Mozart interpretations. Gramophone highlighted his “crisp articulation and bouncing rhythms” in Mozart’s piano sonatas [5].
6. Music with a Message
Say’s works often address social issues. His oratorio “Nazım” explores themes of political exile and free expression [6].
7. Award-Winning Artist
Say’s accolades include the German Music Critics’ Best Recording of the Year Award in 2001 for his Gershwin and Ives recordings [7].
8. Beethoven Reimagined
ClassicsToday lauded Say’s “fresh and spontaneous” approach to Beethoven, which audiences can experience in his upcoming “Tempest” Sonata performance [8].
9. Cultural Ambassador
In 2016, the EU-Turkey Delegation appointed Say as a cultural ambassador, recognizing his role in bridging cultures through music [9].
10. Gilmore Commission Premiere
Say will debut a new Gilmore-commissioned work, continuing the festival’s commitment to contemporary classical music [10].
Say’s Gilmore program spans from Mozart to his own compositions, showcasing his versatility and innovative spirit. Pierre van der Westhuizen, The Gilmore’s Executive and Artistic Director, states, “Fazıl Say’s ability to honor tradition while pushing boundaries makes him ideal for our Concert Master series” [10].
Don’t miss this chance to experience Fazıl Say’s artistry. Tickets are available now on our website. Book early to secure your seat for this highlight of our 2024/25 season.b
Sources:
[1] Fazıl Say’s official biography: https://fazilsay.com/biography/
[2] Young Concert Artists: https://www.yca.org/artist/fazil-say/
[3] Schott Music: https://en.schott-music.com/person/fazil-say
[4] NPR Music: https://www.npr.org/2013/04/21/177683923/fazil-say-a-pianist-of-his-own-design
[5] Gramophone Magazine, July 2016 issue
[6] The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jun/21/fazil-say-turkish-pianist-composer-istanbul
[7] Deutsche Grammophon: https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/artists/fazil-say
[8] ClassicsToday, Review of Say’s Beethoven recordings, 2019
[9] EU-Turkey Delegation Press Release, 2016
[10] The Gilmore Piano Festival, 2024/25 Season Announcement