Biography

Dr. Evren Kutlay graduated from German teaching Cagaloglu Anatolian High school and from Bogazici University Mathematics Department while studying at Istanbul University State Conservatory Piano Department. Afterwards, she was invited to study with full-scholarship at University of West Georgia, where she received her MBA and her MM in Piano Performance degrees with high honor and worked as a GRA both in Business and Music departments as well as for the University President’s Business class offered to honors students. During her studies in US, she was awarded the “Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Scholars Award” for her successful Business studies. In 2001, she received “Award of Excellence” at GMTA (Georgia Music Teachers Association) piano competition, and in 2002, “Star of the Year” award from MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) as the only foreigner and was invited to become a member of MTNA. She completed her Ph.D. in Musicology at Istanbul University Social Sciences Institute. She tought at Koc University for 10 years, where she also worked as the Art Director of Sevgi Gonul Auditorium, which is the Performing Arts Center of Koc University. Right now, she teaches at Yildiz Technical University Music Department as a Faculty and as the Head of Music Ensembles Program.

In appreciation of her outstanding commitment to introducing the rich heritage of Turkish Culture and History through her research and performances in the area of Music of the Ottoman Empire, she was awarded with Special Recognition of the American Congress and also she was commissioned as “Honorary Texan” by the State of Texas. Moreover November 8, 2013 was proclaimed as “Dr. Evren Kutlay Day” by the Mayor of Texas.

In addition to her regular solo and chamber music concerts, she continues her research activities in the area of “Turkish-European musical interaction throughout centuries” focusing on “Western Music during Ottoman Era”. Dr. Evren Kutlay continues her research and concerts in the same area. In addition to her articles in nationally and internationally peer-reviewed journals, and several book chapters, she has a book titled “Osmanlının Avrupalı Müzisyenleri” (European Musicians of Ottomans) published by Kapi yayinlari in 2010, and a CD recording titled “Dersaadette Avrupa Müziği” (European Music in Ottoman Istanbul) released in 2011 by Anatolian Productions. She is one of the writers of contemporary music journals Neo Filarmoni and Opus. She has been advisor of several documentary series for the Turkish National Broadcasting Channel TRT. Between 2012-2014, she prepared a classical radio program called “Müzik Evreninde Yolculuk (A travel in the music world)” at TRT Radio 3 music channel. She is a member of WPTA and a permanent authorized judge of WPTA International Piano Competition.