A memorial ceremony and concert dedicated to honor Prof. Ersin Onay, founding dean of the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, who passed away on May 22, 2023, was held on Saturday, September 30, at the Bilkent Concert Hall.
The program began with the Bilkent Youth Choir’s performance of the Bilkent Marşı, composed by Prof. Ersin Onay.
Among the speakers were Rector Prof. Kürşat Aydoğan, Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory Department of Piano Chair Hande Dalkılıç, Başkent University State Conservatory, Department of Performing Arts Chair Prof. Ayşe Gülüm Ötenel, retired Dean of Students and General Secretary Zeynep Köksal, Department of Music and BSO member Bahar Kutay and retired BSO Media and Public Relations Specialist Yelda Cavga. Also, conductor and Turkish state artist, Gürer Aykal’s message was read out. The speakers shared memories and their heartfelt remembrance and offered condolences during the memorial.
After the speeches, the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra gave a concert dedicated to the memory of Prof. Onay. The orchestra, conducted by Murat Göktaş, performed selected movements by Erkin’s Sinfonietta, Brahms’ Symphony No.3 and Schubert’s Symphony No.8 with konzertmeister İrina Nikotina.
