Prof. Saim Akçıl

Prof. Saim Akçıl completed his violin studies with Ekrem Zeki at the Istanbul Municipality Conservatory in 1959. He continued his education with Vittorio Emanuele and Arrigo Pelliccia at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Italy; and with Prof. Igor Ozim at the Cologne Music School from where he graduated in 1968. He also worked with Andre Gertler in Salzburg, Max Rostal in Cologne, Lucas David and Tibor Varga. Akçıl has played with the Youth Orchestra, which was conducted by Franco Ferrara in Venice and Rome. Akçıl has also performed as first violin and soloist in Chamber and symphony orchestras such as the Hagen City Orchestra, Cologne Chamber Orchestra, Rheinisches Kammerorchester, I Pomeriggi Musicali di Milano Orchestra, Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, Südwestdeutsche Philarmonie, and Leeuwarden Friesland Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, he has given concerts and recitals in Europe, the Middle East and the USA. In 1981, he recorded a CD. After returning back to Turkey, Akçıl taught at Mimar Sinan University, Istanbul State Conservatory until 2005. In 1988, he received the title of Professor. In 1992, Akçıl founded the Black Sea International Philharmonic Orchestra (now Tekfen Philharmonic Orchestra) and the Borusan Chamber Orchestra. He has conducted Philharmonic and chamber orchestras in many countries, including Ukraine, Bulgaria, Uzbekistan, Kirgizstan, Kazakhstan, Greece, Azerbaijan, Russia, Romania, Georgia, and Cyprus. He has also been a director and general art director of Tekfen Philharmonic Orchestra. Akçıl was the president of the jury at the 5th Bari-Andria International Violin Competition in Italy in 1993. Currently, Akçıl teaches violin at the Conservatory of Haliç University.

Reference: halic.edu.tr, tekfen.com.tr