Ayse Deniz Gökçin, Alper Coker - inspiring sites in Istanbul in Istanbul inspiration points ..

I'm Ayşe Deniz, I have been playing piano since I was 6 years old, even 5 and a half years old. I completed my education in different countries... I have given concerts in Russia, America, Switzerland, England... We are at Albert Long Hall... My first moment here was when I was 13 years old, because it was then that I had given a big recital. Of course this was a big event for me. This concert hall is like a place where history can never die. It is placed in the university campus and filled with youngsters. Istanbul is a city that hosts different genres of music. You could almost say this: If there were such thing as the Music Olympics it would definitely be in Istanbul. The Bosporus view, living in the city, social life... Naturally there is manmade too, very pleasant, very genuine. You know, you get in a taxi, the driver speaks with you, he explains his problems, talks about politics... I especially love the breakfast places along the coast... Here it's like those breakfast spreads, village style, fried eggs, menemen... I really miss things like that. My name is Alper Çoker, I've been playing trumpet since I was 10 years old. We would go to the Atatürk Cultural Centre to listen to the İstanbul State Symphony Orchestra. I'll never forget, a New Years concert there... Trumpet player, Şenova Ülker, stood up and played a solo part. I turned to my mother and asked her which instrument that was. And my mother said it was the trumpet. 'I want to play the trumpet' was what I said. Hagia Irene is special to me because the name I met with here is the reason I was able to set foot in to such a vast musical life in Germany. I listened to countless concerts here. From orchestras, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra... World renown soloists have come here. Have given concerts here. It's perfect for acoustics. For a classic concert, I think that one of the most appropriate places is within Turkey. I got in to the Istanbul State Conservatory when I was 15 years old. Here I got 4 years of education. Working in this room is really pleasant. Down stairs you have flower-sellers, simit-sellers... There's sounds coming from every place. May it be the sounds of the boats, the people, the chaos. And here you are in this room trying to play classical music. For me, Istanbul looks more charming from the sea. Because facing me is a monumental Istanbul and I am on my own. With my own thoughts, my own wishes...