The ‘Pekinel International Masterclass’ program, launched to ensure the sustainability of art and to support young talents, will take place at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) between September 6–12.

Suzan Somalı Sönmez

Güher and Süher Pekinel, known for their international achievements in the world of classical music, are setting another precedent in Türkiye. The ‘Pekinel International Masterclass’ program, launched to ensure the sustainability of art and to support young talents, will take place at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) between September 6–12. The program aims to bring together master figures of classical music with young musicians at the beginning of their careers.

Masters of art and the stars of the future together

The artistic direction of the program is undertaken by Prof. Dr. Markus Becker, who is known for both his academic work and stage performances. This six-day intensive training process, to be conducted under Becker’s leadership, places the creative potential of improvisation in classical music at its center. The sessions, to be held in four different categories—solo, duo, trio, and duo piano—will offer participants the opportunity to explore different layers of music and enrich their repertoires in original ways.

Improvisation is not a method, but a form of expression

The Pekinel sisters emphasize that this program is not only an educational process but also a platform for creative exchange. This gathering, conducted with artists who embrace improvisation as a form of expression, aims to expand the boundaries of classical music. Güher and Süher Pekinel summarize the philosophy of the program by saying, “This meeting is not only for teaching; it is for creating, hearing, and discovering together.”

International stage experience for young talents

During the masterclass, young musicians from Türkiye and different countries will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with internationally recognized artists. Conservatory students and music enthusiasts will be able to watch this process free of charge. With the knowledge and experience they gain, participants will step not only onto the stage but also into the international music world in a more equipped manner.

Two special concerts

The program will be crowned with two special concerts to be held at AKM. On the evening of Thursday, September 11, Prof. Dr. Markus Becker will perform for the audience with a special repertoire ranging from Bach to Gershwin. Becker’s performances with prestigious ensembles such as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Wales Orchestra already indicate the artistic level of this concert. On the evening of Friday, September 12, Güher and Süher Pekinel will share the stage with the young talents who stand out during the masterclass process. This concert will not only be a closing, but also a stage that offers hope for the future of classical music. Tickets for both concerts can be obtained via Biletinial.

The Pekinel Sisters

Güher and Süher Pekinel are artists respected not only in Türkiye but also internationally for their contributions to music. Their educational journey, extending from the Paris Conservatory to the Juilliard School, was reinforced by their work with legendary figures such as Claudio Arrau and Leon Fleisher. In addition to the title of “State Artist” in Türkiye, they have been deemed worthy of prestigious awards such as an Honorary Doctorate from Boğaziçi University and the ICMA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Since 2010, the artists have pioneered the establishment of three separate systems aimed at the development of music education in Türkiye. These efforts were awarded the Order of Merit by the President of Germany in 2021.