Utar Artun
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Utar Artun, a native of Ankara and a Turkish-American composer, stands as a remarkable figure in the world of music. His journey began with a degree in percussion from Hacettepe Conservatory, followed by an exceptional academic career in piano and composition at Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory, where he graduated summa cum laude and with academic honors, amassing numerous international awards and accolades. A versatile artist, Artun has shared stages and studios with musical luminaries, such as Bobby McFerrin, Dave Weckl, Eddie Gomez, Grace Kelly, Antonio Sanchez, and many others, leaving an indelible mark on the international music landscape.
Artun's musical odyssey encompasses a wide range of experiences, from symphonic orchestras and prestigious jazz festivals to international studio recordings and Hollywood film projects. His compositions and arrangements have earned him esteemed recognition, including performances in world-renowned festivals, contests, and competitions. Artun's international presence is felt through his piano performances at prestigious festivals and venues around the world, from Los Angeles to China.
Currently, Artun imparts his wisdom as a faculty member at Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory Prep School, nurturing the talents of the next generation. With a catalog of over 160 compositions and 300 arrangements for symphony orchestras and large ensembles, and a myriad of collaborations, Artun continues to elevate the global music scene with his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication, cementing his place as a musical luminary.
- Assistant Chair of Boston International Music Composition (2023-2024)
- Chair of the GOCAA International Piano Competition (2018-2019)
- Arranger of Hollywood Arrangers and Berklee Special Programs
- Band leader of Utar Artun Trio, Neotolia, and Unlimited Perception
- Band Member of Grace Kelly, David Fiuczynski's Planet MicroJam, Dave Hines Group, Mehmet Ali Sanlikol's Big Band, Larry Watson, Speechless Music, and Giuseppe Paradiso Meridian 71
- Recordings and performances with Kevin Eubanks, Bobby McFerrin, Dave Weckl, Jojo Mayer, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Dave Liebman, Antonio Sanchez, Mark Guiliana, Rudresh Mahanthappa, and Simon Shaheen, among many others
- Mass Cultural Council Grant (2020)
- Cambridge Community Foundation Grant (2020)
- JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Culture Award (2018)
- 11th Arizona Underground Film Festival, Official Selection Award (2018)
- 13th Hi-fi Album Awards in Guangdong, China, Best Instrumental Album Performance of the Year with Yazhi Guo (2017)
- 9th Eczacibasi National Composition Contest, Third Place Award (2016)
- Boston Microtonal Society Award (2015)
- Global Music Awards, Bronze Medal (2014)
- Beneficent Society Award (2014)
- 50th TRT ALTIN ANTEN Songwriting Contest, Honorable Mention Award (as Arranger, 2014)