Baturay Yarkin

“Yarkın has a strong sense of melody, the ability to tell melodies simply and the ability to depict allegorically. This gives him a competent expressive power.” Feridun Ertaşkan Istanbul-born pianist and composer Baturay Yarkın is a unique voice in contemporary jazz, known for blending jazz and traditional Turkish music into a deeply expressive and culturally rich sound. After winning 3rd place in the European Young Pianists Competition at age 12, he completed 12 years of classical piano education and a degree in industrial engineering before fully dedicating himself to music. Baturay has released 9 albums as a leader, including his jazz trio debut Su (2018), the cross-cultural Anadolu’nun Renkleri (2019) (supported by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture), and his latest solo release Solo Ballads (In Memory of Aydın Balpınar). With Yarkin Duo — a collaboration with his sister, Istanbul kemençe artist Nağme Yarkın — he has performed and led workshops in 17 countries, from the U.S. and U.K. to France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the Balkans. Also an accomplished tango pianist with several recordings under TangEsta, Baturay has also worked with Grammy-winning artists through Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Global Musician Workshop. He holds a doctorate in jazz, and continues to perform, compose, and teach as a Dr. Lecturer at Istanbul University State Conservatory’s Jazz Department. www.baturayyarkin.com