The Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Orchestra has appointed Merve Kocabeyler as its new harpist. “I am truly excited to join the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Orchestra and to be part of such a vibrant artistic community,” Kocabeyler says. “Performing opera has always been a deep passion of mine, and after incredible years at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, I am thrilled to return to the opera world in my home country. Working with this esteemed orchestra, I look forward to exploring new dimensions of musical expression and deepening my connection to the music I love.”
Born in Istanbul, Kocabeyler studied with Helga Storck and Stephen Fitzpatrick while earning her bachelor’s degree at the Mozarteum University of Salzburg. She received her master’s degree studying with Erika Waardenburg at the Amsterdam Conservatory. Kocabeyler has won awards in various international competitions, including first prizes at the 2010 International Harp Competition of Szeged in Hungary, the 2011 Petar Konjovic International Harp Competition in Serbia, the 2012 Citta di Cagliari International Harp Competition in Italy, and the 2015 Monaco World Harp Festival Competition. After receiving an award at the Franz Josef Reinl International Harp Competition in Vienna, she performed as a soloist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in Canada upon the invitation of the World Harp Congress.
Kocabeyler’s opera experience includes working with musicians such as opera singers Placido Domingo and Grace Bumbry, Italian conductors Pietro Mianiti and Gianandrea Noseda, and castanet performer Lucero Tena at the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra Academy in Milan. In addition to her solo performances and orchestral roles, Kocabeyler teaches and gives masterclasses. She is also the founder and director of an educational program called the Artistic Rediscovery Program.
Learn more about Kocabeyler on her website.
