Just Flutes: Halit Turgay

Halit Turgay: The Legacy of Anatolia

Cappadocia (for flute and piano)
Evoking the surreal landscapes and mystical atmosphere of Cappadocia, this piece transports the listener to a land of ancient wonder.

Mythos of Cilicia (for flute and piano)
Inspired by the legends and history of Cilicia, this composition explores the region’s rich mythology and cultural heritage.

Spirit of Montmartre (for flute and alto flute)
Dedicated to Salvador Dalí, this piece captures the vibrant energy and artistic spirit of Montmartre, a historical hub of creativity.

Aegean Whispers (for flute and piano)
Reflecting the serene beauty and timeless allure of the Aegean Sea, this composition evokes the gentle whispers of the waves against the ancient shores.

The Northern Bells Trio
A celebratory piece inspired by the historic Saint Andrews Church, this composition captures the spirit of community and shared heritage.

Professor Dr. Hakan Halit Turgay "Crucially important... A born musician" as described by flautist William Bennett.

Halit Turgay begun his flute education in Istanbul Municipality Conservatory. At 23 he won the Skene Award in VII Aberdeen International Young Musicians Festival. At the same age he was accepted to the Royal Academy of Music, in the class of William Bennett, funded by the British Cultural Council.

He has performed with I Musici di Roma, Artemisa Chamber Orchestra, Savaria Symphonic Orchestra, London Octave Chamber Orchestra and at many international events in France, Sofia, Athens, Bruges, Budapest, Beijing and London.

His composing style contains elements of history, archaeology, and mythology. His works dedicated to various regions in Turkey have made important contributions to Turkish culture and repertoire.

He won 1st prize at the British Flute Society (2021) and the National Flute Association (2022) with his work entitled Aegean Whispers. In 2024 Apollo & Marsyas (for solo flute) and Mediterranean Trio (flute, cello and piano) were awarded Honorable Mention by NFA.

He started teaching at the Istanbul University State Conservatory in 1989, contributing to Turkish flute education with his students becoming educators. He established the Halit Turgay Flute Summer School in 2023.

Turgay has been living in China as a flute and chamber music teacher for the last 18 months. He continues to work in his country and internationally as a composer, flautist, and carries out academic studies as a Professor Dr. at the Maltepe University Conservatory in Turkey, Italy and France.