Güher & Süher Pekinel

GÜHER & SÜHER PEKINEL, PIANO DUO
Revised February 2009
Güher and Süher Pekinel are recognized worldwide as a Duo of most exceptional of artistry and magnetism. Their performances in recital and with leading orchestras including Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonc, New York Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Orchestre National de France, Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Tokyo Philarmonic, and Leipzig Gewandhaus orchestras are considered to demonstrate extraordinary musicality, keyboard command and unanimity of style and execution. Worldwide they are the only Duo playing without any eye contact in order to concentrate on their respective “breath of musical momentum”.
Born as twins in Istanbul, the Pekinels first appeared in public at the age of six and three years later made their orchestral debut with the Ankara Philharmonic, broadcast live throughout Turkey. Beginning their studies at Conservatoire de Paris, the Pekinels later studied with piano legends like Rudolf Serkin, Claudio Arrau and Mieczyslaw Horszowski at the Curtis Institute and Juillard School in New York. They were introduced to the Salzburg Festival audience by Herbert von Karajan at his invitation in 1984, and who worked with them on a number of subsequent occasions.
At the age of 18, the Pekinels shared the first prize at the German National Piano Competition as soloists, followed by several first prizes in international competitions for solo and duo in Germany, Italy and USA, including the first prize representing Germany at the UNESCO World Piano Competition. The Pekinels are also holders of an Honorary PhD from Bogaziçi University in Istanbul.
Their extensive discography includes recordings of the most important piano-duo literature on record labels Deutsche Grammophon, Teldec, CBS, Chandos and Warner Classics. Their recording in collaboration with Jacques Loussier of the concertos for two and three pianos by JS Bach, released as "Take Bach" by Teldec, has reached record sales worldwide and has been repeatedly reissued by Warner Classics.
The Pekinels' more recent recording of the complete Bach concertos for two and three pianos with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra and Howard Griffiths was released February 2005. This was followed by a recital programme of Brahms and Saint-Säens works in summer 2005. Both releases had superb reviews and were chosen as best record of the week and of the month by The Daily Telegraph and The Observer prior to their release. Warner Classics has also reissued the Pekinels' complete Teldec catalogue on CD in 2006.
The Pekinel Duo has also intensely taken part in worldwide famous radio and television programmes. Two different 60 minute documentaries about their musical lives were filmed first by ZDF and later on as a co-production by ARD and ARTE.
Among the Pekinels highlights in 2008 were: concerts at the Munich Opera House; the “Eurovision Concert” with Vienna Philharmonic televised throughout 23 countries; a tour of 8 concerts with Israel Philharmonic conducted by Zubin Mehta; a European Tour with Jacques Loussier with Bach Concertos filmed live at Festival Schwetzingen with SWR and BBC collaboration; a recital in Prague Castle as guests of former Czech president Vaclav Havel; a concert for the 50th anniversary of Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse; a series of concerts in England and Spain with the London Mozart Players and with the English Chamber Orchestra conducted by Sir Colin Davis; the opening concert of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Lucerne Music Festival and the DRS Radio Switzerland broadcast live in 18 countries; the New Year Concert 2007 in Zurich.
From the tour with the English Chamber Orchestra and Sir Colin Davis the last two concerts as well as the London concert were filmed. They will be released on 2DVDs in March and October 2009 by Arthaus Musik. The release includes a live concert with Jacques Loussier and a short version of their “Double Life” documentary in collaboration with Unitel.
The Pekinels are also deeply involved in a self financed and developing project: the music department within Tevitol, a special school for very gifted students from all over Turkey and is based in Istanbul. The project integrates a new system of musical education into the general curriculum of the school in order to enhance the scope and vision of the existing curriculum, with a view to extending the system to other schools in Turkey.