Taiwanese conductor Wei-Chung Chen wins Gürer Aykal competition

The Gürer Aykal International Conducting Competition concluded with Taiwanese conductor Wei-Chung Chen securing the first-place award. The ceremony, hosted by violinist Nazlı Avcı, celebrated the legacy of conductor Gürer Aykal, whose "musical excellence and educational philosophy" served as inspiration, according to artistic director and state artist Rengim Gökmen.

Following a final concert where four finalists led the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Symphony Orchestra, the international jury announced its decision. Chen, visibly moved, described the award as profoundly significant as his "first award in this conducting career." He extended his thanks to the orchestra, with whom he had spent a "long and challenging week," noting that he had "learned a lot" from them.

Second prize went to China's Hancheng Guo, presented by Gürer Aykal himself. The third prize was awarded to Hong Kong's William Lai, and an honorable mention to Taiwan's Brian Liao. The jury, chaired by Gürer Aykal and including Terje Mikkelsen, Emil Tabakov, José Ferreira Lobo, and James Ross, meticulously assessed the finalists. "We meticulously evaluated their musical interpretations, knowledge, leadership skills, their communication with the orchestra and with us, and their humanity," Aykal stated, expressing hope for the future based on the young musicians' high-level performances.

Eskişehir Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce highlighted the honor of hosting such a competition, while former mayor Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Büyükerşen shared his personal connection to the event, being the son of a music teacher from a "Köy Enstitüsü" (village institute) and noting Gürer Aykal's support in establishing the orchestra. Many attendees, including faculty and members of the orchestra, were alumni of the Eskişehir Anadolu University State Conservatory, watching the event with pride.