MD AHMET HAKAN EKMEN

“His musical expression is mature, his touch warm and profound, and his interpretation emotional and sincere.”

 Described in this way by music critics, pianist Hakan Ekmen was born in Ankara. He was introduced to music during his primary school years as a member of the TRT Ankara Children’s Choir. In 1979, he was admitted to the Piano Department of the Ankara State Conservatory, where he became a student of Prof. Nimet Karatekin. From 1980 onward, he received high praise from critics for the wide range of concerts and recitals he performed. In 1985, he was invited to the Young Performers Recital held in Istanbul as part of the Youth Year celebrations. He made radio recordings for TRT and enhanced his knowledge and skills through masterclasses led by world-renowned pianists such as Robert Roux, Leonid Brumberg, Peter Katin, Tatiana Pikeizen, and Verda Erman during their tours in Turkey.

In 1989, he graduated with the highest academic standing in both his School and Department, and was honored with the Hacettepe University Scientific Encouragement Award and the İhsan Doğramacı High Achievement Award.

In the summer of 1992, he attended the masterclasses of distinguished American pianist James Tocco in Lübeck, Germany.

From 1994 to 1996, he completed his Master’s Degree at Bilkent University Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, studying with pianist Benal Tanrısever. In 1997, he was admitted to the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) program in Piano Performance at the same faculty, continuing his studies with Dr. Benal Tanrısever Şimşek, and later completing them under the guidance of Prof. Ersin Onay.

With a broad repertoire spanning solo works and concertos of Baroque, Classical, and Romantic composers, Ekmen has contributed to the recognition and dissemination of classical music in Turkey by writing articles for various arts magazines. Interviews with him have been featured in several newspapers and journals. Between 1993 and 1997, he also prepared and hosted classical music programs for a private radio station.

Since 1990, Hakan Ekmen has served as an Artist Instructor at the Ankara State Conservatory of Hacettepe University. From 2002 to 2006, he additionally taught at the Gazi University Faculty of Education, Department of Music Education. His compositions written for classical ballet, as well as his improvised performances for classical ballet classes, have been performed in various ballet productions and have earned him wide appreciation.

Among his noteworthy recent activities are: presenting a paper, leading a workshop, and giving the closing recital at the 10th National Music Education Symposium organized by Niğde University in April 2012; his concerto performances with the Hacettepe University Symphony Orchestra in March 2015 and March 2022; and his recital at the Hacettepe University International Bartók Festival in April 2015.

Alongside his academic work—teaching Piano, Piano Literature, Improvisation, and Ballet Accompaniment at Hacettepe University—pianist Hakan Ekmen continues his artistic career through concerts and workshops both in Türkiye and abroad.