Biyography

Gürsel Koçak - The Founder and the General Director of the Ensemble - born on 03.09.1960 in Antakya.

He began his first music studies in 1977 at the Conservatory of Istanbul Municipality, continuity of the old "Darul'elhan". which represents [he roots and the traditions of the Turkish Music.

In the conservatory his lecturers include Mr. ismaif Hakki Ozkan (musical theories), Miss Suheyla Altmisdort (singing & repertoire), Mrs. Muazzam Sepetcioglu (literature). Miss. Diirdane Attan (folk music)

In the 80's he participated the traditional home-group lectures of Mr. Nezih Uzel. In this group he advanced his musicaf studies by taking private lessons from many masters like, Mr. Bekir Sitki Sezgin, Mr. Kani Karaca, Mr. Kemal Tezergil, Mr. Necdet Tanlak and Mr, izzet Eskidemir. where he learned Mevlevi Ayin(s) in 15 makam (s) and many ilahi (s).

In 1982 he has graduated from the conservatory and has been appointed as a member of the "Icra Heyeti" {Official Performance Orchestra).

He participated in 1989 / Istanbul Music Festival cs a solo singer.

He founded the Moda Music Association in 1992 and starts to give group lessons to local amateur musicians.

He participated in 1994 / Istanbul Music Festival as a solo singer.

In cooperation with Mr. Bekir Sitki Sezgin, he worked in many concert and TV productions.

As well as being a professional singer in Turkish Music, Gursel Kocak also plays "Kudum" and "Bendir", which are authentic percussion instruments.

He is employed by the State Conservatory of the Istanbul University under the title of singer & lecturer in Turkish Music. As well as recently being assigned as the Assistant Director of the "Icra Heyeti" (Official Performance Orchestra).