Arkas, one of the platinum sponsors of the National Young Soloist Competition organized by Rotary District 2440, has been continuing for 13 years to contribute to the international career journeys of young opera artists through its ongoing support.
The National Young Soloist Competition, organized by Rotary District 2440 in collaboration with the Izmir State Opera and Ballet, the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, and the Dokuz Eylül University State Conservatory, culminated in a final evening and awards ceremony. Supported by Arkas for the past 13 years, the competition brings young opera artists from across Türkiye together with art lovers, while also creating opportunities that help open doors to international arts institutions.
A Jury of International Distinction
At the 18th edition of the competition this year, Aytül Büyüksaraç—former General Director and Artistic Director of the Izmir State Opera and Ballet, soloist, and faculty member at the Dokuz Eylül University State Conservatory—served as chair of the jury.
The jury also included Brian Dickie, former General Director of Glyndebourne, the Canadian Opera Company, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago; Marcus Carl, Opera Director at Theater Bonn; Kalle Kanttila, founder and artistic director of Kanttila Management and an opera artist; Eija Tolpo, opera producer and Head of the Opera Department at the Savonlinna Music Academy; Prof. Linet Şaul, Head of the Opera Department at Dokuz Eylül University State Conservatory; Emel Akçay Özer, violinist and Director of the Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Center at the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality; Yiğit Günsoy, stage director, Chief Director of the State Opera and Ballet, and faculty member at Dokuz Eylül University; and Caner Akın, Chief Director of the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, soloist, faculty member at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, and President of the Zehra Yıldız Opera Foundation.
During the final evening, awards were presented to the young artists who placed in two separate categories: “University” and “Young Professional.”
Young Talents Receive Their Awards
In the Young Professional category, Enes Aksu was awarded first prize, Kemal Atakan Korkmaz received second prize, and Selen Doğa Yeni Ekinci took third prize.
Among the special awards, the Necdet Aydın Stage Interpretation Special Award was presented to Kemal Atakan Korkmaz, the Jeanette Thompson Special Award went to Ayben Bağcı, and the Zehra Yıldız Opera Foundation Special Award was given to Eda Umay Akan.
In the University category, Muhammed Gökberk won first prize, followed by Berkan Demir in second place and İdil Meryem Karakuzu in third. The Zehra Yıldız Opera Foundation Special Award was presented to Ali İsmail Doğrukul, while the Necdet Aydın Stage Interpretation Special Award was awarded to Alpaslan Sevim.
Long-Term Support for the Arts
An important milestone in young soloists’ journeys to the world’s leading stages, the competition continues to stand as a strong example of Arkas’ sustainable commitment to culture and the arts.
