Hikmet Şimşek was a distinguished Turkish conductor celebrated for his interpretations and promotion of Turkish classical music alongside the masterworks of the Western canon. Born on October 11, 1934, in Istanbul, Turkey, Şimşek pursued a career in music with passion and dedication, marking him as an important figure in Turkey’s cultural landscape. He served as the principal conductor of prestigious ensembles, including the Presidential Symphony Orchestra in Ankara, where he made remarkable strides in expanding the orchestra's repertoire and reach.

Over the years, Hikmet Şimşek’s contributions to the music world were vast and varied, as evidenced by an impressive discography that reflects his broad musical interests and expertise. His recordings, such as "Cumhurbaşkanlığı Senfoni Orkestrası Gustav Mahler Lieder Eines Fahrenden Gesellen (Live)," illustrate his skill in handling complex Western symphonic works with finesse. Meanwhile, collections like "Turkish Folk Songs Accompanied by Orchestra" and "Four Orchestral Works from Turkey" showcase his commitment to Turkish music, bringing traditional melodies to the concert hall with symphonic grandeur. His renditions of Ahmed Adnan Saygun’s compositions, like "Saygun: Yunus Emre," resonate with Şimşek's dedication to championing the music of his homeland on the international stage. Hikmet Şimşek’s artistic legacy is marked by a synthesis of Eastern and Western musical sensibilities, and his impact on Turkish classical music continues to be honored and celebrated.

Genres

Turkish Classical Performance

Latest Release

Cumhurbaşkanlığı Senfoni Orkestrası Gustav Mahler Lieder Eines Fahrenden Gesellen (Live)

Gustav Mahler•

Hikmet Şimşek

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released August 9, 2023