Pianist and author together on stage

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

The duo of Kürşat Başar, novelist and pianist Burçin Büke attract attention for their own interpretation of classical and jazz pieces.

Akbank Sanat is hosting a pianist and a novelist together on Jan. 15. The duo of Kürşat Başar, known for his novels, and world-renowned pianist Burçin Büke interprets a wide variety of musical genres in their own way. The pair, which also performs their own compositions, has attended diverse jazz festivals. The ensemble attracts attention for their own interpretation of classical and jazz pieces and style in all music genres.

Başar started his career as a journalist for Turkish newspaper Hürriyet and continued as a manager and journalist at various magazines and newspapers. He has also produced programs on many TV channels. His music career began in his youth, when he played piano and drums. Later, he learned to play the saxophone. Currently he is a columnist for Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet. The first album of Başar, “Keske Burada Olsaydın” (Wish You Were Here), was released in 2012.

Pianist Burçin Büke

Büke graduated from the Academy of Music in Hanover in 1992 with great success as a soloist. He won first prize in the International Lanciano Piano Competition. In addition, he won prizes in both the Craydon and Bilbao competitions. He has participated in festivals around the world. He was honored as a Steinway & Sons artist in London in 1996.