Meet Me
Published
Sep 27, 2024
Meet Me - İlyun Bürkev
In this interview, we explore the creative journey of an artist whose passion for music intersects with fashion and visual arts. With a holistic approach to creativity, they draw inspiration from various forms to shape their unique style and emotional sound. As they discuss collaboration, the impact of their listeners, and their artistic evolution, we gain insight into the depth of their work and the stories that fuel their captivating music. Join us as we uncover the essence of their artistry.
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One of the most unforgettable moments in my career was the opening concert of our tour with the Classic Philharmonic Bonn Orchestra, which we held in 11 cities in Germany. This concert was a turning point in my musical journey. The tour itself was already an exciting prospect for me, but performing the opening concert at the Berlin Konzerthaus, one of the world's most important concert halls, made this memory even more special.
The Berlin Konzerthaus, as one of the symbols of classical music, had always been one of my childhood dreams. When I stepped on that stage, the mesmerizing acoustics of the hall, its lights, and its historic atmosphere deeply affected me. Moreover, I was performing internationally in front of a German audience and critics for the first time. This both increased my excitement and my sense of responsibility.
It’s nearly impossible to describe the emotions I felt during the concert. To sense that the audience was listening carefully to every note, completely focused on the music, inspired me greatly. The harmony of the orchestra, the energy in the hall, and the power of the pieces elevated my performance. I felt that every piece I played expressed myself, and I formed a deep connection with the listeners through the music.
This concert wasn’t just a moment when I fulfilled a dream, but also a moment when I felt that my music was being accepted on an international platform and reaching the audience. I still clearly remember every moment, the excitement I felt on that stage, the moment the orchestra played the first notes, and the enthusiastic applause of the audience. Performing at the Berlin Konzerthaus was one of the proudest moments of my career, and it showed me once again how valuable it is to pursue one’s dreams.
There are two special moments during my stage performances that deeply affect me, and they remind me every time of the power of music and the importance of my presence on stage. The first is those unique moments I experience during concertos, especially when I play with the orchestra, in the cadenzas. In those moments, when the entire hall becomes completely silent, and the audience is utterly focused, when even the sound of every breath is audible, only the music, my soul, and the magic of the stage exist.
The cadenza is the part of a piece where an artist expresses themselves most freely, showcasing their creativity. In those moments, I feel that I am transferring all my emotional world, my experiences, and my musical expression to the piano. In each note, I tell a story. The orchestra remains silent, and as the solo voice that rises behind the grand orchestra, it’s an indescribable feeling to experience how the piano fills the hall on its own.
Another mesmerizing moment is at the end of my performance, the silence that follows the completion of a piece. That one second of silence after the final note resonates in the hall, before the applause begins, when the audience takes a deep breath... This is one of the moments when the connection between the music and the audience is felt most intensely.
These moments always fascinate and excite me. Because in those silent seconds, I understand how deeply the audience is experiencing the music and how special that moment is for everyone. In this atmosphere, seeing the effect of music on people is an indescribable source of happiness for me. Every time I experience these two moments in my performances, I believe once again in the power of music and feel how valuable this journey is.
I am someone who generally loves to listen to all kinds of music. I believe that music is a universal language and that every genre has its own unique story, energy, and spirit. Classical music is both a passion and an inseparable part of my identity. However, alongside that, listening to jazz, blues, and many other types of music also nourishes me a great deal. I am especially affected by the free spirit of jazz, which is based on improvisation. Since each genre reflects different cultures, eras, and human stories, listening to and understanding them adds a lot to me both artistically and personally.
The qualities of each genre open new paths for me in my own compositions and interpretations.
When composing, I try to express myself with the inspiration I get from different genres. I want to reflect elements from every genre in my music, not just in terms of technique, but also in emotional expression and narrative power.
Exploring different music genres is not only a source of inspiration for me but also an important way for me to express myself. Thanks to this diversity, I feel nourished both musically and personally.
When we make music, we’re not just playing the notes on stage, we’re telling the audience the story of the piece. Every piece carries its own meaning, emotional depth, and message. Understanding the story the composer has poured into the notes, feeling it, and conveying it to the audience is the foundation of our art.
When we play a piece, we also add a piece of our own world, our emotions, and thoughts. This makes the music more personal and intimate. But the most important thing is to be able to share what we feel at that moment with the audience. The power of music shows itself here; without words, we communicate only with sounds and emotions.
The moments when the music reaches the audience from the stage and touches their souls are actually the greatest reward for an artist.
In the coming years, my primary goal is, of course, to complete my education and take my career to an important point, representing my country in the best possible way on the world stages. In this process, being able to show the depth and experience I have in classical music on an international platform is of great significance for me. However, music is not just an art form or a career tool for me; it is also a means of creating a mission and raising awareness.
I believe that music is a universal language. It is a miracle that unites people, borders, cultures, and even generations.

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