5TH INTERNATIONAL CAHİT KOPARAL FLUTE COMPETITION
The flute competition, organized in memory of Prof. Cahit Koparal (1928–2001), an esteemed artist, flute virtuoso, educator, and Marmaris enthusiast who made significant contributions to the establishment of the Marmaris Culture and Arts Association (MAKSAD), will be held in Marmaris for the fifth time on an international scale from September 1–11, 2026.
Participation in the pre-qualifying rounds is open until March 13, 2026.
OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPETITION
The International Cahit Koparal Flute Competition aims not only to provide young flutists with a stage opportunity but also to keep Prof. Cahit Koparal’s legacy alive. The primary objectives of the competition are as follows:
- To introduce Cahit Koparal to younger generations, to keep his name alive, and to continue the “Koparal tradition” by modeling the caring relationship he established with his students.
- To encourage young flute students and artists; to recognize their talents early, support their development, and provide new opportunities on their artistic journeys.
- To ensure that Koparal’s approach inspires faculty members working not only in the flute field but also in other art forms.
- To add new works to the flute repertoire through commissions for young composers and to make lasting contributions to the world of music.
What I observed as a friend was his extreme devotion to his students. He always thought about them, rejoiced in their successes, and shared in their sorrows and joys. He possessed all the qualities of an educator: knowledge, teaching ability, dedication, patience, a sense of duty, love for humanity, and disregard for material things.
— Ermukan Saydam, violinist and Cahit Koparal’s friend of 42 years
 
					
JURY
 
        
      
      Bülent Evcil
Chair of the Jury
Born in Istanbul in 1968, the artist completed his flute education at the Mimar Sinan University State Conservatory, the Royal...
 
        
      
      Salvatore Lombardi
Jury Member
Professor of flute at the “San Pietro a Majella” State Conservatory of Music in Naples, Lombardi is a versatile artist...
 
        
      
      Aycan Sancar
Jury Member
He began his music education at the İzmir State Conservatory and graduated from the Ankara State Conservatory in 1978, after...
 
        
      
      Doç. Dr. Samir Gülahmedov
Jury Member
Successfully completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the Baku Music Academy, earning Diplomas as a Soloist, Orchestra Soloist, and...
 
        
      
      Sonat Sözer
Jury Member
The artist began his education at Dokuz Eylül University State Conservatory in İzmir as a student of Prof. Dr. Cahit...
ACCOMPANIMENT GROUP
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					Marmaris Municipality Armutalan Cultural Centeri
Participation in the preliminary round of the competition is possible until March 13, 2026.
 
	 
		 
	 
						 
						 
						 
					 
         
         
        