Turkish Flutist On The Go: Lelya BAYRAMOĞULLARI
Lelya BAYRAMOĞULLARI (Turkey)
Principal Flute of the Antalya State Symphony Orchestra and an internationally active soloist performing across Europe, Japan, and the United States, Lelya has served as a jury member for international flute competitions in Germany, the Netherlands, and France, and is a frequent guest soloist and honorary professor at international flute festivals in Europe and South America. She is a premiere performance artist for works by international
Can you give us a short characteristic of Turkish (flute) music culture-some interesting facts, including when compositions of the flute first appeared?
When we talk about Turkish flutes, the first ones that come to mind are the kaval and the ney. The kaval is a reed instrument mostly used in Turkish folk music. The ney, on the other hand, is a mystical instrument mostly used in Turkish classical music.
Music in the Ottoman Empire began within the palace culture. With Atatürk's establishment of the Republic, a transition to polyphonic music took place. Atatürk brought classical Western music to our country by bringing foreign teachers from abroad. One of the most famous of these is Gaetano Donizetti. He lived in Istanbul, founded the band, and worked as a teacher. And after that, exceptionally talented musicians were sent abroad for education. The composer who added the first Flute Sonata to the Flute Repertoire in 1933 was Necil Kazım Akses.
He himself received his education abroad and is one of the composers of the "Turkish Five" group
Can you describe the role and activities of the flute society in Turkey? What can you tell us about the international Turkish events organized for flutists?
Turkish flute players are active. The number of flute ensembles is also increasing day by day.
But Unfortunately, there is no Flute Association in our country yet.
International flute events are mostly organized through masterclass programs at universities. Some masterclasses may also be held in private music schools, music house or occasionally in historical or touristic locations.
Or sometimes, collaborations are undertaken with foreign soloists who are invited to join symphony orchestras.
Could you tell us a few words about famous flutists from Turkey?
I have many successful colleagues that I am very proud of. First and foremost, starting with our idol Gülşen Tatü, the first ones that come to mind are Bülent Evcil, Sonat Sözer, Cem Önertürk, Nihan Atalay, and Aslıhan And Say.
Are there flutists cooperating with composers and ordering new pieces in addition to you? How many commissions have you embarked on?
I know that Bülent Evcil has worked with Yalçın Tura, one of our legendary composers; that Cem Önertürk has collaborated with young composer Cem Esen; that Aslıhan And Say has worked with her husband Fazıl Say; and that Ece Karşal has collaborated with Özge Gülbey for Flute Orchestra.
To date, 16 works by national and international composers have been dedicated to me. I have performed 15 of them many times in various concerts with great pleasure.
Can you give us 5 career highlights?
My Order of Gratitude from Nigeria. Becoming a Sankyo Flute Artist. Being chosen as the Female Artist of the Year in 2023, the 100th anniversary of our Republic. The Freedom Award I received in Sarajevo. A silver medal at the Global Music Awards.
Every week you are in a different country! How do you do this? Where have you been, and where are you going next?
I do it by working very hard and putting in a lot of effort. To date, I have participated in many international events in America, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Far East.
Today I'm going to Baku to give the world premiere of a new work dedicated to me. Next week I'll be on tour in England. In November I'll be in Athens. In December I'm invited to Colombia. And I'll have concerts in Türkiye until the end of the year.
What do you like best about performing?
I love being able to reach people with my breath, with my music. I think it's the simplest way I can express myself.
What are your goals personally? Professionally?
To stay healthy, to be able to serve my country and its music even more, and to continue my social responsibility projects.
To create a digital album of the works dedicated to me and to print the sheet music.
What inspires you the most in life?
To be able to premiere new works.
Exploring new places with my music and my flute.
What has been your professional greatest challenge?
Not being understood. And not receiving enough support.
Who were your music mentors? and what did you learn from them?
I've had wonderful flute teachers. They all taught me not only how to play the flute, but also how to become an Good artist.
Can you give us 5 quirky, secret, fun, (don't think too much about this) hobbies or passions?
I love climbing. And being able to make children happy. I like living life at a fast pace. I love doing new things, discovering new places, new people, new music. And photography.
What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?
Patience, perseverance, hard work.