The Donizetti Classical Music Awards are presented annually by Andante, a monthly classical music magazine published in Turkey. The recipients of the 2018 Donizetti Awards were recently announced; they include several musicians who teach at Bilkent or are studying or have studied here. This year marks the eighth time the awards have been given.
The Bilkent award winners are Assistant Professor Onur Türkmen; principal bassoonist of the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra Ozan Evruk; Bilkent Music Preparatory School student Özberk Miraç Sarıgül; and Bilkent University Department of Music graduates Cem Önertürk and Ufuk Soygürbüz.
Following are the award citations as presented by Andante:
Composer of the Year – Onur Türkmen
For his contemporary interpretations of old Turkish maqams, development of the unique composing method “Hat,” appointment as a permanent member of the European Research Council, and masterful use of traditional Turkish instruments along with Western ones in the field of new music; and for producing works that are performed across the world from Vietnam to the United States, receiving commissions and invitations from new music festivals in Europe, and having had a “portrait concert” at the Guitar Plus Festival in Würzburg, Germany.
Wind Instrument Interpreter of the Year – Ozan Evruk (Bassoon)
For regularly premiering works involving the bassoon in chamber music, as well as his accomplished performance of bassoon solos of major orchestral works, the exceptional tone he produces, and his ability to gain the appreciation of conductors.
Chamber Music Ensemble of the Year – The Anatolian Wind Quintet
For broadening the current repertoire for the wind quintet through their arrangements, as well as their compilation of a collection from Turkish folk music, their outreach to Anatolian cities and universities through their tours, and the high quality of their performances.
The ensemble includes Ozan Evruk on the bassoon, as well as graduates Cem Önertürk (flute) and Ufuk Soygürbüz (oboe).
Young Musician of the Year/Under 18 – Özberk Miraç Sarıgül (Guitar)
For the remarkable tone he produces on the classical guitar, his accomplished performance of compositions from various periods, his achievements in winning first prize at the İstanbul International Guitar Competition in 2016 and 2018 and second prize at the 17th International Guitar Competition in Belgrade, and his steady progress as shown by his success in the 3rd Hacettepe International Guitar Competition.