Berfin, born in Ankara, started her musical education at the Music Preparatory Elementary School of Bilkent University, Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, by demonstrating superior achievement at the aptitude exams. She is currently a sixth grade student, studying violin with Muhammedjan Turdiev.

In 2006 she became the first violin soloist in Turkey to perform with an orchestra at the age of eight. She has performed with Eskişehir Anadolu University Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Burak Tüzün, Bilkent Symphony Orchestra under Işın Metin, Bursa State Symphony Orchestra Cihan Aşkın under Hakan Şensoy, Presidental Symphony Orchestra under Rengim Gökmen and Bilkent Youth Orchestra under Gürer Aykal. She also appeared at 5th Afyonkarahisar Classical Music Festival, 24th International Ankara Music Festival, 10th International Antalya Piano Festival and performed as a soloist with Fazıl Say at 'Composers of Istanbul' events.

She has given recitals in Akbank Sanat, Boğaziçi University Albert Long Hall Classical Music Events, Borusan etc., a concert in the Gnesin Music School in Moscow, and participated in master classes of Vanya Milenova at the Bulgaria-Ruse 4th International Music Festival and Cihat Aşkın's summer courses at Eklisia Summer School.

In 2007 Berfin received 'The Great of Future' Special Award from Young Enterprise Governance Confederation. In 2008 she won 1st Prize and title 'The Best Turkish Composer Performer' at the Gülden Turalı Violin Competition held in Mersin University. In 2009 she won 2nd Prize at the International Andrea Postacchini Violin Competition in Italy, where she had also won 'Special Jury Prize' in the previous year. In 2009 she also won 1st Prize, 'The Best Enescu Performance Award' and Constantin Dragoi special award at the Remember Enescu International Violin Competition in Romania. In 2010 Berfin gave a solo recital at the 'Young Talents Music Festival' in Tunisia and won 1st Prize at the International Kocian Violin Competition in Czech Republic.

Find more information about Berfin at www.berfinaksu.com.

Repertoire

Solo

J. S. Bach, 'Loure' and 'Gavotte' from Partita No. 3 in E Major (BWV 1006)
N. Paganini, Caprice No. 9 in E Major
N. Paganini, Caprice No. 14 in E flat Major
N. Paganini, Caprice No. 20 in D Major
H. Wienawski, Etude-Caprice No. 2 and No. 3 (Op. 18)
H. Wienawski, 'La Cadenza' (Op. 10, No. 7)

With piano

A. Bazzini, Rondo
A. Dvorak, Romantic Piece No. 1 and No. 2 (Op. 75)
H. W. Ernst, Othello Fantasie
G. F. Handel, Sonata No. 4 in D Major (HWV 371)
F. Mendelssohn, On Wings of Song
W. A. Mozart, Minuet in D Major (K. 355)
W. A. Mozart, Sonata in G Major (K. 283)
N. Paganini, Moses Fantasie
N. Paganini, 'La Campanella' from Concerto No. 2 in B minor
N. Rimsky-Korsakov, F. Kreisler, 'Song of India' from 'Sadko'
Y. Tura, 3 Vals
T. A. Vitali, Chaconne
H. Wienawski, Mazurka 'Obbertass'

With orchestra

A. Bazzini, Rondo
C. A. de Beriot, Concerto No. 1 in D Major
H. W. Ernst, Othello Fantasie
F. Mendelssohn, Concerto in E minor (Op. 64)
W. A. Mozart, Concerto No. 2 in D Major (K. 211)
N. Paganini, Moses Fantasie
N. Paganini, 'La Campanella' from Concerto No. 2 in B minor
T. A. Vitali, Chaconne
H. Wienawski, Concerto No. 2 in D minor (Op. 22)

If you are interested in working with Berfin, please get in touch with the EMCY Office.