Best classical music album award to Turkish pianist

Anadolu Agency (Turkey)

01/07/ 2009, Ankra

An album of world-wide known Turkish pianist and composer Fazil Say has been presented with Deutsche Phono-Akademie’s « Echo Award » which is widely considered as the « Grammy » of classical music in Europe.

Say’s chamber music album, which he recorded together with violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja in 2007, has been chosen the « Best Classical Music Album of Europe » by Deutsche Phono-Akademie.

« Echo » is a German music award granted every year by the Deutsche Phono-Akademie ,an association of recording companies. Each year’s winner is determined according to the previous year’s sales.

In an interview with A.A, Say said that « Echo » was one of the most prestigous music awards in Europe. « The award can be considered as the Grammy of classical music in Europe, » he said.

Say said that he had previously got another Echo award with his successful solo performance of Stravinsky’s « Le Sacre du Printemps » in 2001.

Commenting on his ongoing cooperation with violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Say said he had been working with the Moldovan musician for the last 5 years, adding that they had given more than 100 concerts together so far.

Fazil Say

Born in 1970 in Ankara, Turkey, Fazil Say studied piano and composition at the Ankara State Conservatory. At the age of seventeen, he was awarded a scholarship that enabled him to study for five years with David Levine at the Robert Schumann Institute in Dusseldorf. From 1992 to 1995, he continued his studies at the Berlin Conservatory. In 1994, he was the winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, which gave a rapid start to his international career.

Say is a regular guest with the New York Philharmonic, the Israel Philharmonic, the Baltimore Symphony, the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, the BBC Philharmonic, the Orchestre National de France and other leading orchestras across the globe.