Arcan İsenkul Wins First Prize at Prof. Ruşen Güneş Viola Competition

The International Prof. Ruşen Güneş Viola Competition, organized by the Ankara State Conservatory Association (ADK-DER) in memory of the legendary violist Prof. Ruşen Güneş (1940-2020), has concluded. Following a gripping final round held at the Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory Concert Hall, the first prize was awarded to Arcan İsenkul, currently a student at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts (HfMDK Frankfurt).

Performing Carl Stamitz's Viola Concerto and the commissioned contemporary piece 'Medhal' by Turkish composer Boran Mert in the finals, the young artist captivated both the international jury and the audience. Winning the top prize at this competition, which honors Ruşen Güneş's pioneering role in establishing the viola school in Turkey, marks a significant milestone in the young musician's career.

Born in Ankara in 2005, Arcan İsenkul began his musical studies at the Bilkent University Music Preparatory School under the guidance of Cavid Cafer. After graduating, he moved to Germany to continue his undergraduate education, currently studying in the prestigious class of world-renowned violist Prof. Tabea Zimmermann. Speaking after the ceremony, İsenkul remarked: 'Receiving an award in the name of Ruşen Güneş, a master whose musical integrity and passion for the viola has guided us all, is an indescribable honor.'