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A 12-year-old pianist from Türkiye’s northwest has won first place at an international youth music competition in Bulgaria, a year after finishing third at the same event.
Alya Karen Alan, who began playing piano at age 3, won the piano category at the 29th International Youth Music Competition in the Bulgarian city of Dobrich.
She performed "Horon," a piece by Turkish composer Ilhan Baran. The title refers to a traditional folk dance from Türkiye’s Black Sea region.
Alan, a student at the Trakya University State Conservatory in Edirne, said she was the only participant from Türkiye. Musicians from Bulgaria, Greece, Russia and Ukraine also competed.
"I represented my country, my school, my friends and my teachers," Alan said. "I think I got a good result."
She said she hopes to keep improving and one day perform with an orchestra. "My first goal is to reach a high level," she said. "My second is to play very good pieces well technically."
Alan said the piano also helps her relax. "If I have a worry, I go and play the piano," she said. "It’s enjoyable and, I think, calming."
Her teacher, Isil Daglar, an assistant professor at the conservatory, called Alan hardworking and talented. Daglar said winning with a Turkish composer's work carried special meaning. Baran's "Horon" comes from his "Black and White" album.
"She represented our country very well abroad," Daglar said.
Daglar said competitions and master classes help students develop musically and can open new opportunities. She said she expects more awards for Alan in the future.
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