Fazil Say is one of the most memorable artists of our time - a pianist and composer of exceptional charisma, a strong interpretative personality and rare artistic authenticity. For almost three decades, he has been delighting audiences and critics around the world with concerts that go beyond the usual musical experience: his performances are at once virtuoso, deeply emotional and directly communicative, leaving a strong mark on every listener.
His musical journey began in Ankara, where he received his first piano lessons from Mithat Fenmen, a pianist who had studied in Paris with Alfred Cortot. It was this early encouragement of improvisation and free musical expression that shaped Say's distinctive artistic signature — a blend of technical brilliance, creative freedom, and profound musicality. He continued his studies with David Levine in Düsseldorf and Berlin, and attended master classes with Menahem Pressler.
He gained international recognition in 1994 by winning the prestigious competition Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York. Since then, he has performed with leading European and American orchestras and collaborated with prominent conductors and chamber musicians. His repertoire spans a wide range — from Bach, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven to Romanticism, contemporary music and his own compositions, which occupy an important place in his artistic identity.
As a composer, Fazıl Say produced an impressive body of work that includes symphonies, oratorios, concertos, chamber works and solo compositions. His works were commissioned and performed by renowned world ensembles and institutions such as Boston Symphony Orchestra, BBC, Munich Philharmonic, Salzburg Festival, WDR, Vienna Konzerthaus and many others. His music combines contemporary expression, strong personal poetics, and cultural diversity, making him one of the most recognizable authors of his time.
Throughout his career, he has been an artist in residence and a central figure at numerous prominent concert venues and festivals, including: Konzerthaus Berlin, Vienna Konzerthaus, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival i Concertgebouw AmsterdamHe has received a number of significant awards for his work, including Rheingau Music Prize, International Beethoven Prize i Music Prize of the City of Duisburg.
A special place in his work is occupied by his discography, which received a strong international response. Recordings of works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin, Stravinsky and his own compositions brought him numerous awards, including several recognitions ECHO Classic, while his releases for labels Warner Classics, naive i Alpha further confirmed his status as an artist of world renown.
Location: Peristyle, Split.
Pupils, students, pensioners and existing subscribers of the Croatian House Split receive a 20% discount on individual tickets exclusively at the Croatian House box office. Discounts are not cumulative and do not apply to festival tickets.
You can purchase a Peristil Vibrez Pass for all three events at Peristil. here.
Croatian House Split ensures an accessible and inclusive experience for all visitors. Persons with disabilities, persons with reduced mobility, and persons requiring assistance are provided with appropriate accessible seating at all concerts and performances of this year's Vibrez Festival.
