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A 14-year-old double bassist, Ata Yalcinbas, has won the "Gold Prize" at both the Max Bruch International Music Competition in Germany and the London Young Musician competition in England and hopes to represent Türkiye in the world through his music.
Yalcinbas, a student at Trakya University State Conservatory, took part in two international competitions in Germany and England, performing "Danse Paysanne" by Romanian composer and double bassist Constantin Dimitrescu.
Yalcinbas said his interest in music began in kindergarten, and he was introduced to the double bass at age 11 through his instructor, Associate Professor Sela Can Dokmeci, at the conservatory.
He said his hands hurt a great deal when he first started playing, but he never gave up because he loved the instrument. Describing the double bass as the largest and lowest-sounding instrument in its family, he said, "I play an instrument bigger than myself... my fingers get tired while playing, but I love it very much."
He added that he has since grown taller and can now play the instrument more easily.
The musician said he looks up to double bass artist Gary Karr as a role model and hopes to one day play in major orchestras and represent his country abroad.
Dokmeci said the conservatory, founded in 1991, trains students from the Balkans, Turkic republics, African countries, and across Türkiye who go on to compete nationally and internationally.
She said Yalcinbas's performances were judged by international juries that included academics from the Royal Academy of Music in England and members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Yalcinbas's mother, Ipek Yalcinbas, said her son had shown interest in music from a young age and developed it through disciplined practice, adding that he continues training with his teacher to compete and perform internationally.
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