La Reina: Gülsin Onay, Turquía.

Festival Internacional de Piano Dénia 2025

On November 26, in a concert entitled “The Queen,” Ars Alta Cultural is proud to present the legendary Turkish pianist Gülsin Onay. With many years of experience at the forefront of the international concert circuit, she is recognized as a State Artist in Turkey and has performed with many of the finest orchestras and conductors. According to Wikipedia, “she has long been a household name in Europe and beyond, with an international career spanning more than 80 countries and including collaborations with many of the most prestigious artists and musical institutions of our time.” She is also renowned for championing the music of Turkish composer Ahmed Adnan Saygun and will, in fact, perform two of his Preludes in Denia. Together with Saygun, she will perform Bach’s Partita BWV 825, Mozart’s Sonata K331, and Chopin’s Sonata in B minor, Op. 58.

Widely recognized as one of Turkey’s most acclaimed cultural exports, Gülsin Onay has been captivating audiences worldwide for decades, ever since her first official concert at the age of six. A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she now divides her time between touring and performing, giving masterclasses in various locations, and serving on juries for numerous international competitions. We are incredibly fortunate to hear her perform in this fourth concert of the Denia International Piano Festival.

In her own words, “It’s not enough to simply play; a pianist must create meaning, to say something with the piece. Every note they play must have significance; they cannot simply play mechanically—that’s not enough.” He advises all pianists to “make sure that every musical phrase is a new creation and a magical creation.”

Program:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Partita No. 1 in B flat major, BWV 825

Praeludium – Allemande – Courante – Sarabande – Menuett I – Menuett II – Gigue

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Sonata in A major, KV331

-Andante grazioso con variazioni

-Menuetto

-Alla Turca

Ahmed Adnan Saygun

2 preludes in Aksak rhythm, op.45 nos.4 \& 12

Frederic Chopin

Sonata in B minor, op.58

Allegro maestoso

Scherzo: molto vivace

Long

Finale: presto not tant