The composer and pianist retires after 35 years at the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.
Composer and pianist Aydın Karlıbel spent 35 years of his remarkable artistic life at the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet (İDOB). İDOB’s 35th Anniversary Concert, organized on the occasion of Karlıbel's retirement, took place on September 27, 2022 at Kadıköy Süreyya Opera Stage.
One of the last students of Cemal Reşit Rey, Karlıbel worked as a correpetitor, choir and orchestra conductor and concert pianist at İDOB. He composed opera, symphony, oratorio, piano and violin concertos, chamber music works and marches, bringing together universal elements and the original colors of Turkish aesthetics.
Karlıbel credits RC with providing profound musical experiences that influenced his career: “I was a regular performer at RC’s musical events besides performing with the Istanbul Symphony orchestra under Cemal Reşit Rey’s baton and trying my hand at concerto and song composition. I received the kindest support from our Headmaster the late John Chalfant, who had me play our National Anthem at assemblies and gifted me musical scores. I am deeply grateful to our music teacher Miss Jean Strommer for her support of our RC band, and the late Grady Hobson’s generous private teachings. Each and every one of our teachers provided the seeds whereupon I could compose works like the Yahya Kemal Oratorio, The Ayubites, Lady with the Lamp and Piri Reis operas. Mr. Chalfant’s numerous contacts with Cemal Reşit Rey culminated in Rey’s memorable speech given on our Graduation Day.”
Karlıbel has been invited by Mimar Sinan Conservatory to teach and will continue to contribute to Turkey’s musical progress.
Published January 2023
