Ahmet Adnan Saygun

Ahmet Adnan Saygun, born in Izmir in 1907, was a towering figure in Turkish music, renowned as both a composer and a musicologist. His extensive education, spanning Turkey, Hungary, and France, equipped him with a deep understanding of both Western and traditional Turkish music. Saygun's compositions are celebrated for their unique blend of these influences, earning him the title 'the grand old man of Turkish music'. His prolific output includes symphonies and other works that have been performed and recorded internationally. Beyond his composing, Saygun was also a dedicated ethnomusicologist, collecting and preserving Turkish folk songs. His legacy continues to inspire, with cultural centres like the Ahmet Adnan Saygun Arts Center in Izmir honouring his contributions to Turkey's artistic heritage. Saygun passed away in 1991, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.