Trailblazing Turkish opera singers who made their mark on world stage

Türkiye has long been home to rich artistic traditions, and among its most celebrated cultural exports are its world-renowned opera singers. From early pioneers to modern stars, these artists have brought Türkiye's voice to international opera houses.

https://youtube.com/shorts/1vM7SrJhHy4?feature=shared

Semiha Berksoy and Vasfi Riza Zobu perform opera in Turkish, 1933. (Video via YouTube/@LokomotifKamera)

The trailblazer: Semiha Berksoy

Semiha Berksoy (1910–2004) was Türkiye’s first female opera singer and a true pioneer. A graduate of the Istanbul Conservatory and later the Berlin State Academy of Music, she starred in the first Turkish opera "Ozsoy" in 1934.

Berksoy made history in 1939 by becoming the first Turkish soprano to perform in Europe, captivating Berlin audiences in Richard Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos.

https://youtu.be/XnCtni2IDLs?feature=shared

Leyla Gencer performs "Vivaldi: Sposa son disprezzata," 1985. (Video via YouTube/@uyildiz)

Queen of Bel Canto: Leyla Gencer

Leyla Gencer (1928–2008), born in Istanbul, rose to global fame with her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. She became a fixture at Milan’s legendary La Scala, performing in over 70 roles.

Gencer was instrumental in reviving forgotten works by Donizetti, earning her a special place in operatic history.

Turkish tenor and foundation founder Aydin Gun. (Photo via Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts )

Architect of modern opera in Türkiye: Aydin Gun

Aydin Gun (1917–2007) was not only a tenor but also a visionary leader in Turkish arts. He played a key role in founding the Istanbul Opera House and, later, the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), helping to establish a strong infrastructure for opera in Türkiye.

https://youtu.be/SwpjrWZl0kU?feature=shared

Saadet Ikesus Altan at her home in Moda, Istanbul, 1997. (Video via YouTube/@askin2007)

Voice and vision: Saadet Ikesus Altan

As Türkiye’s first female vocal coach and opera director, Saadet Ikesus Altan (1916–2007) carved a unique place in the history of Turkish music.

Trained in Germany, she returned to Türkiye to shape generations of singers, translate opera librettos into Turkish, and write a foundational book on singing techniques.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puBqqF-enmU

Hakan Aysev performs “Hekimoglu” with the Troy Chamber Orchestra, 2017. (Video via YouTube/@tamerbektas8035)

From Türkiye to the world's great stages

Several other artists have followed in their footsteps, bringing the spirit of Anatolia to international audiences:

• Ayhan Baran – a deep and resonant bass voice that captivated listeners in Türkiye and beyond.
• Suna Korat – known for her commanding soprano performances, both at home and across Europe.
• Zehra Yildiz – a dramatic soprano with numerous international appearances.
• Remziye Alper – an acclaimed name in Türkiye’s opera community.
• Hakan Aysev – a modern-day tenor who continues to perform globally.
• Cenk Karaferya – respected for his dynamic vocal performances.
• Burak Bilgili – a bass-baritone with an international career, including performances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
• Murat Karahan - a tenor who grew up in Türkiye and has sung leading roles in many of the world's great operas.
• Bulent Bezduz – known for his strong tenor roles in European opera productions.

These artists have not only represented Türkiye on the world’s biggest stages but also helped cultivate a strong operatic tradition within the country.

April 10, 2025 05:10 PM GMT+03:00