TOLGA ATALAY ÜN -
CONDUCTOR
Music Director - Ankara State Ballet and Opera
"I noticed that Ün listened to both the orchestra and the singers with musical respect. In response, the orchestra obeyed his hand with the same respect, resulting in a true "musical unity"."
SANATTAN YANSIMALAR - Pinar Aydin O'Dwyer
"There is a respectable "magic wand" effect in these performances, most of which are directed by the young conductor Tolga Atalay Ün."
SANATTAN YANSIMALAR - Pinar Aydin O'Dwyer
Tolga Atalay Ün is a highly acclaimed Turkish-American conductor, historical keyboard player, and pianist. Born in 1995, Ün has established himself as one of the most sought-after musicians of his generation.
As of 2022, Tolga Atalay Ün has assumed the role of conductor at the Ankara State Opera and Ballet.
In 2022, Ün made history by conducting the Presidential Symphony Orchestra in Turkey from the harpsichord, becoming one of the youngest conductors to do so. He has further showcased his versatility by performing as a conductor, harpsichordist, and pianist with esteemed orchestras such as L’Orchestra Roma Sinfonietta, Bilkent Symphony Orchestra, CRR Symphony Orchestra, Olten Philharmonic Orchestra, Ankara State Opera and Ballet Orchestra, Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Orchestra, Antalya State Opera and Ballet Orchestra, Mersin State Opera and Ballet Orchestra, Izmir State Symphony Orchestra, Bursa Regional State Symphony Orchestra, TRNC Presidential Symphony Orchestra, Orkestra Akademik Başkent and Karşıyaka Municipality Chamber Orchestra.
Ün's exceptional talent was first recognized when he performed as a soloist with the Ankara Youth Symphony Orchestra in the opening concert of the 33rd International Ankara Music Festival in 2016.
His remarkable abilities garnered him recognition from musical authorities. Since then, his career has seen remarkable achievements, including playing the piano for a concert organized for the annual President's Visit from His Majesty King Charles III to the Royal College of Music in London in 2019.
Ün's talent has taken him to numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Italy, and the Netherlands, where he has performed in prestigious venues like the London Royal Festival Hall and Salzburg Mozarteum. His notable accolades include the 'Mills Williams Medal' at the Royal College of Music in 2021 and the 'Beethoven Medal' from the Worshipful Company of Musicians for winning the First Prize.
Ün pursued his musical education under the guidance of renowned professors and conductors. He studied piano with Sibel Özgün, Prof. Norma Fisher, and Prof. Niel Immelman. He delved into Historical Performance and Historical Keyboard Instruments with Prof. Terence Charlston and Prof. Robert Woolley. His conducting mentors include Orhun Orhon, İbrahim Yazıcı, Burak Tüzün, Peter Stark, Howard Williams, and Lior Shambadal.
Ün's educational journey took him from Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory, where he graduated with the prestigious "Top of the School Award," to the Royal College of Music in London. At the RCM, he obtained his Bachelor of Music (Honours) with First Class, Master of Performance (MPerf) with Distinction, and Artist Diploma. Additionally, he received notable recognition as the 'Mills Williams Junior Fellow,' 'C. Bechstein Scholar supported by a Christopher Hogwood Scholarship,' and 'Kenneth and Violet Scott Scholar' at the RCM.
Throughout his career, Ün has enjoyed the support of esteemed foundations such as the Sevda-Cenap And Music Foundation and Talent Unlimited. He is grateful for their contributions to his studies in London. Additionally, from 2016 to 2021, he benefited from the mentorship and financial support of the 'Young Musicians on World Stages' (YMWS) system, created by Güher & Süher Pekinel and sponsored by TÜPRAŞ.
Ün's passion for music began at a young age when he joined the Polyphonic Children's Choir of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2004. He participated in numerous concerts and tours, honing his skills both as a choir member and accompanist. His dedication led to an offer to start his professional studies at the Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory in 2007.
Ün's profound dedication to his craft is evident in his extensive repertoire, including premiering pieces and making notable radio recordings. In October 2021, he took on a teaching role at Ankara Music and Fine Arts University while continuing his professional work as a conductor, pianist, and harpsichordist.
.
Upcoming performances
10th May 2025 Saturday Ankara State Opera and Ballet Orchestra Beethoven Symphony No. 9 CSO Main Hall, Ankara 15-16 May 2025 Thursday-Friday KKTC Presidential Symphony Orchestra Kıbrıs, KKTC 26 June 2025 Thursday Festival Hvězdy nad Vltavou (Czech debut)
Past performances
2 May 2025 Friday Antalya State Symphony Orchestra, Soloist: Alican Süner (Violin) Antalya, Türkiye 19 April 2025 Saturday Bilkent Symphony Orchestra (Bach Mass in B minor - Turkish premiere) 16 April 2025 Wednesday Orchestra Academic Baskent 21 March 2025 Friday Presidential Symphony Orchestra in Ankara 8 March 2025 Bilkent Symphony Orchestra - Baroque Music Series