London continues to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye with a rich programme of culture. On Friday, 1 December, St James`s Church in Paddington will host Türkiye’s famed pianist Gülsin Onay.

The internationally renowned, multi-award winning pianist has performed in 80 different countries alongside the world’s best orchestras and conductors during an illustrious career stretching over 50 years.

About Gülsin Onay

Born into a musical family, Onay, 69, started playing the piano at the age of 3. Her talent was such that she gave her first performance on TRT Radio Istanbul aged just 6!

The Istanbul born musical prodigy benefited from a special law for exceptionally talented children, which awarded Onay a scholarship to study initially in Ankara, where she was tutored by two Turkish musical greats, piano virtuoso Mithat Fenmen and legendary composer Ahmet Adnan Saygun. Onay continued her musical education at the Paris Conservatory, where she graduated with a Premier Prix de Piano (First Prize). After a break to focus on her family, Onay was encouraged to resume career under the expert guidance of German pianist Bernhard Ebert, who helped evolve the talented Turk’s musical interpretations  as she resumed her studies at the Musikhochschule Hannover.

An exceptional Chopin interpreter, Onay was honoured with a State Medal by the Polish nation in 2007. She will be performing who will be performing Chopin’s Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante opus 22 at St James`s Church.

Alongside Onay, this special London concert for the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye also features performances by five talented young Turkish musicians: Erdem Misirlioğlu on piano, Emre Engin on violin, Nazli Erdogan on viola, Özgür Kaya,on cello and Ezo Dem Sarici on violin.

The event is being organised by Sectoral Events and includes a VIP pre-concert drinks reception at this stunning central London venue.

Concert Programme

Part I – 45 minutes

Chopin – Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante opus 22

– Gülsin Onay

Brahms B Major piano trio 1st movement – Erdem, Emre, Özgür

Dvorak Quintet 1st movement – Erdem, Emre, Ezo, Nazli, Özgür

Intermission – 15 minutes

Part II – 30 minutes

Sari Gelin – Emre, Erdem

Bülbülum Altin Kafeste – Emre, Erdem

Horon – Ezo, Erdem

Nihavend Longa – Erdem, Emre, Ezo, Nazli, Özgür

Concert Details

Title: Sectoral Events presents London concert for the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye

Date: Friday 1 December 2023

Time:  VIP drink reception starts at 5pm and the concert begins at 7pm.

Venue: St James`s Church, Sussex Gardens, Paddington, London W2 3UD

Admission: ticket prices are Standard – £30; VIP – £40; and Students – £15. Please arrive for registration at 18.30

Tickets: are available online from Sectoral Events: click here to buy.