Demirkan Yay, born on August 3, 2010, is a promising young violist and music student. He began playing the viola at the age of six at Bilkent University Faculty of Music and Performing Arts under the guidience of Ece Akyol. During the pandemic, he continued his studies remotely with Yukiyo Hirano.
In August 2023, Demirkan participated in the Adrafest Classical Music Camp under the direction of Cihat Aşkın, performing in orchestral and chamber music concerts across various districts. The following summer, he attended the Luzerne Music Center in New York, where he performed in both orchestral and chamber music settings and worked with James Yoon. In September 2024, he attended Ayvalık International Music Academy summer program where he took masterclasses form Mathis Rochat.
Since October 2023, Demirkan has been an active member of the Başkent Chamber Orchestra, led by Şerif Can Ünver, regularly rehearsing and performing concerts in his hometown.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Demirkan is a 9th-grade student in the IB program at Arı Schools, where he is a full-scholarship recipient. He actively performs solo concerts at his school, showcasing his dedication and talent.
Demirkan’s achievements include winning 2nd prize in the Young Category of the Debussy Music Competition in June 2024. He continues to refine his artistry under the guidance of Ece Akyol and Murat Cangal.
You can find Demirkan’s 2025 New Year’s Music Competition viola performance here.