EMRE ÖZTEK
pianist
BIOGRAPHY
Oztek began his piano lessons at the age of eleven with Oskay Hoca. Despite his late start, Oztek’s quick progress led to his first public performance only two years later. At 16, he received a Fulbright Scholarship and moved to the USA to pursue his studies in environmental science at Grinnell College. He continued his piano education with pianists Dr. Patrice Ewoldt and Dr. Eugene Gaub. At Grinnell, he was awarded both the Hill Award for Musical Excellence and the Curd Award for Outstanding Instrumentalists. In 2005, after receiving a full scholarship, he transferred to Lawrence University Conservatory of Music where he could specialise in his true passion: piano performance. At Lawrence, Oztek studied with pianist Michael Kim and went on to win numerous awards and competitions including the prestigious Commencement Concert Competition. In 2006, he was commissioned by Grinnell College to return as a guest recitalist, and was specially commended by President Russell Osgood for his outstanding performances.
After graduating with high honours in the Dean’s List, Oztek moved to London to pursue a Master’s degree in piano performance at Trinity College of Music under the guidance of professor Mikhail Kazakevich. In his first year, he received the Alfred Kitchin and the Beverly Creed Scholarships. During his studies, he performed in master classes with renowned artists such as Claude Frank, Martino Tirimo, Deniz Arman Gelenbe, Douglas Finch, and Genevieve Lee.
In 2010, Oztek completed his studies, and began his career as a soloist and a chamber musician. In 2015, he completed his concert series with his piano duo Con Fuoco with fellow pianist Harriet Stubbs. With Con Fuoco, Oztek performed at venues all around the UK and Europe, including a recital at the Bellapais Abbey in Cyprus which saw the attendance of Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci, Prime Minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu and numerous members of parliament. In 2015, Oztek formed The Larkhall Trio with Roberta Cannas, violin, and Oda Matilda Lundin, cello with whom he toured the UK.
Since 2021, Oztek has been performing with with fellow pianist and Steinway artist Chisato Kusunoki. Their 2022 recitals tour included concerts in London, Brighton and in Cyprus.
Alongside his performing career, Oztek teaches piano at Dulwich College, Langley Park School for Boys and Langley Park School for Girls.