Participants Universitas Cantat 2017
The Folk Melodies Chamber Orchestra of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Turkey
Conductor: Zeki Nacakci
The Folk Melodies Chamber Orchestra of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Turkey
The Folk Melodies Chamber Orchestra was founded within the scope of “The Administration of the Centre for Study and Research of Musical Culture” project conducted by enthusiastic academic staff from a number of universities throughout Turkey. By combining traditional elements of Turkish musical culture with international elements, the orchestra aims to acquaint audiences with traditional Turkish music, help them appreciate traditional Turkish folk music, represent Turkey in both domestic and international festivals and present the old and new values together. Moreover, the orchestra strives to contribute to music education by engaging students of all cycles of academic education. Members of the orchestra considers it its primary duty to directly contribute to students’ experiences in music education. The Folk Melodies Chamber Orchestra is planning to continue its performances with new students enrolled annually.
Zeki Nacakci first became engaged in music at the age of seven with bağlama. At the age of 11 he began his education at the Turkish Folk Music Department of Samsun Municipalilty Conservatory where he studied the theory of Turkish folk music and attended bağlama courses. In 1991, he joined the Department of Music Education of Malatya İnönü University where he graduated in viola. In 2002, he completed his post graduate studies and in 2006, received his doctoral degree. He has performed in a number of concerts in Turkey and abroad as a violist with the Gazi Academic Chamber Orchestra and MAKÜ Academic Chamber Orchestra. He has given numerous concerts and recitals as a conductor and bağlama virtuoso on the Turkish folk music scene. In 2012, he obtained the title of associate professor. Nacakcı is also the author of many articles and books published both nationally and internationally.
Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Turkey