Sevgi Giles, Piano

Biography

Sevgi Giles has appeared in venues throughout America and Europe as a recitalist, chamber musician, and orchestral pianist. In a repertoire that ranges from Bach to Boulez, her playing has been acclaimed for its emotional projection and intellectual rigor.

In 2001 Sevgi was awarded the prize for best performance of a French Suite at the International Bach Competition in Saarbrucken, Germany. Having played most of the major works of Bach, she feels a special affinity for the Baroque master. Sevgi received a Bachelors degree from the Ankara Conservatory in her native Turkey. As a student she captured all of the top performance awards and concertized extensively throughout the country. She has done graduate work at both the University of North Texas and Western Michigan University.

As a member of the North Texas Wind Symphony, Sevgi recorded four compact discs with that ensemble and also appeared as soloist with them in several premieres by contemporary composers. During the summers she has performed at festivals such as Crested Butte (Colorado), the Eastern Music Festival (North Carolina), and the Adamant Music Festival (Vermont) where she studied with the legendary pianist Menahem Pressler. She has also been accepted into the prestigious Pressler studio at Indiana University's School of Music.

Sevgi is a devoted teacher and sought-after pedagogue in the Chicago area. In addition to her private studio she serves on the faculties of the Music Arts School and the Northwestern University Music Academy.