April 3 marked the 105th anniversary of the birth of Bilkent University’s beloved founder, Prof. İhsan Doğramacı. For the past nine years, Bilkent has celebrated Prof. Doğramacı’s birthday as Bilkent Day, honoring his memory with deepest respect and affection.
This year, due to the closure of the campus consequent to the coronavirus pandemic, most of the customary celebratory events could not take place. The exception was the İhsan Doğramacı Memorial Concert, which pianist Gülsin Onay performed in her home the evening of April 3, welcoming the audience via a live online feed.
Ms. Onay played Frédéric Chopin’s Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53, and his Nocturne in F-sharp minor, Op. 48, No. 2, as well as Ahmet Adnan Saygun’s Piano Sonatina, Op. 15. The performance was dedicated to the memory of Prof. Doğramacı, who was a life-long music lover.
The concert can still be watched and listened to on YouTube, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kV5zH3RVCI