Rüya Taner is one of the leading concert pianists from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Türkiye, and she is an artist endorsed by Steinway & Sons. Her musical journey began with her father, Yılmaz Taner, who introduced her to the piano. At the age of 11, she became a student of Mithat Fenmen and Tulga Çetiz at the Ankara State Conservatory. In 1983, Rüya earned a state scholarship through the talented children law in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and moved to London to study under Professor Joan Havill at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. She graduated with the rare title of “Concert Pianist.”
During her studies, Rüya Taner achieved first place in prestigious competitions such as the Mozart and Liszt competitions throughout England.
Upon graduating, Rüya Taner made her debut at London’s renowned concert hall, Wilmore Hall. Since then, she has performed solo recitals, chamber music, and orchestral concerts in more than 80 countries. She has also served as a jury member for competitions, including the Lalla Meryem Piano Competition in Morocco and the 5th International Adana Rhapsody Piano Competition in Türkiye. In recent years, she has continued her music career with projects such as Trio Bellapaix, a collaboration with Nihat Ağdaç (violin) and Gürhan Nuray (cello), as well as performances with Kürşat Başar.
During her visit to South Africa in November 2024, Rüya Taner performed a piano recital at the Musaion Theatre at the University of Pretoria, as well as a special recital for members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Residence of the Turkish Ambassador. The program included the much-loved piece titled Ben Giderim Batum’a.
by Marion Kate
