The 4th edition of Gülsin Onay Piano Festival was organized in collaboration between Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and the Cyprus Polyphonic Choirs Association (CPCA), on 5-6-7 December 2025 at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center. Bringing the music lovers together, this year’s festival was held in memory of Cypriot late trumpet artist Gökmen Noyan. The 3-day long festival event received a lot of attention from prominent jury members, art-lovers and educators.

The recital was attended by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Members of the Parliament Teberrüken Uluçay and Şifa Çolakoğlu, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay, Director of TRNC Department of Culture Şirin Zaimağaoğlu, EMU Vice Rector for Promotion and Institutional Communication Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici and many art-enthusiasts.

The opening concert of the festival took place on Friday, 5 December 2025 at 08:00 p.m., featuring world-renowned pianist Gülsin Onay who performed with the Presidency Symphony Orchestra of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. On the second day of the event, guest artists of the festival took the stage to share their performances.

“An Educational Platform Guiding the Way through the Artistic Journey”

Delivering the opening speech of the event, Rana Uluçay – Chairperson of CPCA – commenced her speech by welcoming all the attendees of the event. Noting that this year’s event is dedicated to the memory of late trumpet artist Gökmen Noyan, who was a Famagusta-lover, Uluçay stressed that they remember his passion for music with love and respect. Uluçay continued and stated that the festival goes beyond being a mere concert series, and it serves as source of inspiration for young talents and an educational platform guiding the way through their artistic journeys. Emphasizing the important contributions of the workshops held with master artists and stage opportunities offered for young talents, on the growth of arts education, Uluçay noted that the event named after Gülsin Onay plays a key role in fostering artistic awareness and the appreciation of polyphonic music.

“Let’s Keep Singing Together and Continue Celebrating Art”

Next, Şirin Zaimağaoğlu, Director of the TRNC Department of Culture, shared her pride in supporting this meaningful and special event, now in its fourth year. She emphasized that providing support for such activities is part of their duties and said; “As an artist, one knows when and where their presence is most valuable. Whether in Famagusta specifically or across the island more broadly, we are ready to contribute responsibly whenever something positive is happening in the arts”. Thanking participants and contributors, Zaimağaoğlu addressed the artists, saying, “You are invaluable to Famagusta and the island—thank you for being here. Let’s keep singing together and continue celebrating art”.

“A Cherished Tradition”

In his speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç welcomed the participants and expressed his enthusiasm for the much-anticipated recital, now a cherished tradition. He emphasized that holding the festival in memory of Gökmen Noyan added special meaning and shared the late musician’s passion for music with the audience. Speaking from personal experience, Prof. Dr. Kılıç recalled his own memories of Noyan. Highlighting the contributions of EMU Faculty of Education and Department of Fine Arts Education, he expressed excitement in hosting one of Türkiye’s most esteemed pianists, internationally acclaimed artist Gülsin Onay, along with the TRNC Presidency Symphony Orchestra.

Following the opening speeches, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and CPCA Chairperson Rana Uluçay presented souvenirs to the contributors of the event.

The event consisted of two main sections: “Festival” and “Competition”. The Festival section provided stage experience for beginners and amateur pianists of all ages, while the Competition section offered a dedicated platform for professional pianists, who were evaluated according to age categories.

Piano Workshops and Concerts Held

Within the scope of the event’s program, Gülsin Onay, Eser Öktem and Tayfun İlhan carried out piano workshops. On Saturday, 6 December 2025 at 06:00 p.m., Alper Remzi Aydın delivered a seminar titled “Piano ile Yaşam Boyu Gelişim” which attracted great interest from the audience. On the same day, at 07:30 p.m., a concert by Aeterna Trio offered music lovers an unforgettable musical experience.

This special event, where art and education came together, inspired young talents and celebrated the cultural richness of Cyprus through music.