Gürer Aykal is a prominent Turkish conductor and arranger, renowned for his contributions to classical music both within Turkey and on the international stage. Born on October 4, 1942, in Ankara, Turkey, Aykal developed a profound connection with music at an early age. Throughout his illustrious career, he has served as the chief conductor and artistic director for several prestigious orchestras, including the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra and the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to his conducting prowess, Aykal is celebrated for his skill in arranging music, particularly for taking classical pieces and reinterpreting them for unique ensembles like mandolin quartets. His remarkable adaptations breathe new life into traditional compositions, as highlighted in his recent works such as the arrangement of String Quartet No. 1, Op. 27 for 4 mandolins, and his rendition of Ahmed Adnan Saygun's "Inci's Book," tailored for mandolins. His ability to navigate different musical styles is further exemplified in his live performances of Gustav Mahler's haunting "Kinder Totenlieder" and Chausson's emotive "Poème, Op. 25." Aykal's commitment to Turkish composers is also evident in his recordings of contemporary symphonies like "Mezopotamya Senfonisi No.2, Op.38" and "Universe Senfonisi No.3, Op.43," championing the works of new composers and contributing to the rich tapestry of modern classical music. His influence on Turkish classical music and the broader international scene remains undeniable as he continues his journey to enrich and diversify the sonic landscape of orchestral music.

Genres

Turkish Classical Performance

Latest Release

Gustav Mahler Kinder Totenlieder (Live)

Gustav Mahler•

Gürer Aykal

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released August 5, 2023