Biography

Education and Early Achievements

Okonsar's early education in Paris paved the way for his admission to the National Conservatory of Ankara before he continued his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels under the esteemed Belgian pianist Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden. He further refined his craft with the legendary Alexis Weissenberg in Switzerland. Graduating with the highest distinction, Diplôme Supérieur de Piano Avec La Plus Grande Distinction-Premier Nommé, he performed Arnold Schoenberg's Piano Concerto, Op. 42 as his final recital.

To expand his musicianship, Okonsar pursued composition and orchestration studies at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels under Jacqueline Fontyn. During this period, he also received advanced training at the Centre Européen des Hautes Études Musicales, now Ecole Eduardo del Pueyo.

At the age of 20, Okonsar won the Grand Prix des Jeunes Virtuoses in Antwerp, leading to his orchestral debut performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 at De Singel Concert Hall.

Awards and Recognitions

Okonsar has received numerous accolades, including:

• Sixth Prize, Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition (1991)
• Second Prize, J.S. Bach Competition, Paris (1989)
• Gold Medalist, Premio Etruria (Rome, 1991)
• Gold Medalist, Académie Internationale des Arts Contemporains (Belgium, 1991)

He is featured in the biographical reference 2000 Outstanding Musicians of the 20th Century (Cambridge, UK).

Performance Career

David Ezra Okonsar has performed in major venues across Europe, North America, and Japan, including the Royal Opera House (London), Salle Gaveau (Paris), Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Bösendorfer Saal (Vienna), and Symphony Hall (Salt Lake City). He has collaborated with leading orchestras and conductors, including the Utah Symphony, Brussels Opera Orchestra, Istanbul State Symphony, and maestros such as Joseph Silverstein, Charles Dutoit, and Sylvain Cambreling.

State Artist and Cultural Contributions
Dual citizen of Belgium and Turkey, Okonsar was honored as a “State Artist” by the Turkish Government at the request of former President Süleyman Demirel. He was instrumental in establishing and directing the Antalya Cultural Centre and its opening ceremonies.

Okonsar has also explored the intersection of music and technology, producing and hosting a series of documentaries for Turkey's national broadcaster (TRT).

Compositional Work and Musicology

As a composer, Okonsar's works are characterized by avant-garde complexity and originality, spanning orchestral, chamber, choral, and solo piano music. His writings, available in Turkish, English, and French, reflect his expertise in musicology and technology. He is a sought-after lecturer at universities worldwide.

Distinctive Programming and Discography

Okonsar is known for his innovative recital programs, often pairing traditional repertoire with works by composers such as Webern, Schoenberg, Stockhausen, and Berio. His discography, encompassing over 100 titles, reflects his eclectic and intellectual approach to music.

David Ezra Okonsar continues to inspire audiences globally through his unparalleled artistry, intellectual contributions, and relentless pursuit of musical innovation.