Sarıboğa Akca & Ordu Üniversitesi Flüt Topluluğu was a First Prize Winner (Choir/Ensemble) at the 2025 UK International Music Competition
Can you introduce yourself and share how you got into music?
My name is Bahar Sarıboğa Akca. I work as an Associate Professor at Ordu University, Faculty of Music and Performing Arts. I teach flute lessons and various theoretical courses in music here. I am the founder and conductor of Ordu University Flute Ensemble. I was born in Kayseri, Turkey in 1987. I started music by taking guitar lessons at the age of 9. I spent my high school years at Kayseri Fine Arts High School, taking piano, vocal and flute lessons. In 2005, I was accepted to Erciyes University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Music. I graduated from here as the second in my faculty. After my undergraduate education, I was accepted to Erciyes University, Institute of Fine Arts, Department of Music, Thesis-based Master's Program. I also worked as a flute instructor at this institution in the 2010-2011 academic year. In 2011, I started my academic studies as a Research Assistant at Ordu University, Faculty of Music and Performing Arts. In 2016, I completed my doctorate (artistic proficiency) education in the Department of Music at Dokuz Eylül University, Institute of Fine Arts. I also continued my flute studies as a member of Flutensemble İzmir and Flauto Dolce Quartet. I was appointed as an Assistant Professor at Ordu University, Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, Department of Instrument Education in 2018. Since 2021, I have been working as an Associate Professor at the same institution. I have written many book chapters, articles, papers and a book called "Flute Orchestra Solos" for the flute instrument. In 2017, I founded the "Ordu University Flute Ensemble" consisting of my students, in 2018 the "Euterpe Flute Quartet" and in 2024 the "Kharit Flute Trio", and in 2024 I assumed the artistic directorship of the "Academic Chamber Orchestra" established in cooperation with Giresun University and Ordu University. In 2024, I was awarded first prize in the flute category at the CA Cantabile 12th International Music Competition held in Turkey and the Consonance 5th International Music Competition held in Switzerland. In 2025, as the "Ordu University Flute Ensemble", which I formed with my students, we were awarded first prize in the music competitions called 8th International Music Competition Andantino held in Germany and UK International Music Competition 2025 Season I held in England.
Could you tell us more about your award-winning work? For instance, how did you prepare it, bring it to life, or any interesting stories behind the scenes?
Our award-winning work is the A minor concerto written for 5 flutes by the French baroque composer Joseph Bodin de Boismortier. Of course, it was quite tiring to interpret this work with 16 people. It is a performance where we expect 5 out of 16 people to play, and it is quite difficult to do this in a harmonious way. But I think we overcame this process with a long and detailed and harmonious work. We usually have rehearsals and concerts that are both fun and disciplined. I can say that working with the ensemble, especially during the concert, is very special and interesting.
What do you believe defines a great Flute Ensemble, and how do you incorporate your unique style into your music?
I have always believed in the power of being a community. Being a community means having the spirit of teamwork, sharing and reflecting this harmoniously in music, which strengthens the bond between the members. I can say that these disciplined works as a community also increase the power of musical expression together. I can say that when this musical expression power is blended with the traditional and rich musical elements of Turkish lands, a unique style emerges.
Can you recall a memorable moment from your career that had a significant impact on you?
I can say that there have been many turning point throughout my career. However, this year we received two awards as a group, which were exciting, motivating and unforgettable for us. For this, we would like to thank the organisers and jury members of the UK International Music Competition 2025 season I.
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank (such as mentors, supporters or other team members)?
It was very exciting for us to participate in your competition. First of all, I would like to thank our President of Ordu University Prof. Dr. Orhan Baş, Dean of the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts Prof. Dr. İrfan Karaduman, who provided all kinds of physical opportunities for the formation and work of our group, and my students who are members of the group; Yağmur Karaman, Arda Köse, Buket Çardak, Yiğitcan Erdoğdu, Damla Poyraz, Arda Çağlıyan, Sıla Akçay, Emirhan Günindi, Eda Bayraktar, Nazar Barin, Betül Rabia Ballı, Gizem Durmuş, Sezin Kan, Dila Terzi, Duygu Kalkan and Yonca Güneş, who made me proud with their devoted and disciplined work.
