AIMA Yaylı Altılısı “Festival Açılış Konseri”

AIMA String Sextet is a special ensemble bringing together six distinguished musicians with international experience. Featuring violinists Tanja Becker-Bender and Pelin Halkacı Akın, violists Efdal Altun and Arcan İsenkul, and cellists Gözde Yaşar and Poyraz Baltacıgil, the ensemble will present some of the most important works in the classical string sextet repertoire. German violinist Tanja Becker-Bender studied at the Freiburg University of Music, the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich, and The Juilliard School in New York. Following prizes at the Paganini, Mendelssohn, and Beethoven competitions, she appeared as a soloist in major concert halls across Europe, the United States, and Asia. Known for her broad repertoire and strong commitment to contemporary music, she has also been active for many years in chamber music and higher music education, teaching internationally. Pelin Halkacı Akın began her violin studies with Prof. Nuri İyicil and graduated from the Istanbul State Conservatory of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. At the Salzburg Mozarteum Summer Academy and the Keshet Eilon masterclasses, she worked with renowned artists including Jean Fournier, Shlomo Mintz, Ida Haendel, Vadim Gluzman, and Ani Schnarch. As a member of the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra under Claudio Abbado, she performed at leading festivals and concert venues throughout Europe. She has appeared as a soloist with numerous symphony orchestras and currently serves as a faculty member at the Istanbul State Conservatory of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and as concertmaster of the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra. Efdal Altun studied viola with Prof. Koral Çalgan at the Ankara State Conservatory of Hacettepe University. Throughout his career, he has combined chamber music, solo performance, and orchestral work, performing widely in Türkiye and abroad and teaching at several universities. Since 1997, he has been a member of the viola section of the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra. As a member of the Borusan Quartet, he has taken part in international concert and recording projects. Arcan İsenkul began his studies at Bilkent University and is currently continuing his education at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts with Prof. Tabea Zimmermann. He has received numerous distinctions, including First Prize at the International Prof. Ruşen Güneş Viola Competition and an award at the Oskar Nedbal Competition. In 2025, he was selected for the Siemens Arts Program and performed at Carnegie Hall. He appears regularly at international festivals as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. Born in İzmir, Gözde Yaşar began her cello studies at Bilkent University with Gara Aliyev. As a Fulbright scholar, she continued her education in the United States at SUNY Purchase College and the University of Maryland, where she studied with Julia Lichten, Evelyn Elsing, and Kenneth Slowik. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in Türkiye and abroad and currently teaches cello and chamber music at the Istanbul State Conservatory of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. Poyraz Baltacıgil completed his musical education at the Istanbul University State Conservatory, the Istanbul State Conservatory of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, and the University of Music Freiburg. A first-prize winner of the Benyamin Sönmez National Cello Competition, he was also named “Young Musician of the Year” at the Andante Classical Music Awards. He has appeared as a soloist with many prominent orchestras and currently performs as a member of the Borusan Quartet and as Principal Cellist of the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra. He also takes part in international projects as a Larsen Strings Performing Artist. Following the concert, refreshments will be served at the Alev-Halis Komili House. For transportation to the venue, the Ayvalık Municipality will provide a shuttle service departing from the Ayvalık Old Bus Station. The return shuttle will also arrive at the same location.