Berlin Philharmonic violinist accuses Fazıl Say of humiliating behaviour

The violinist alleges humiliating treatment during rehearsals for the newly launched Özyeğin Philharmonic, whose inaugural concert she led in Istanbul on November 9.

Berlin Philharmonic violinist Hande Küden has announced that she will no longer participate in projects involving Fazıl Say, accusing the pianist and composer of humiliating behaviour during rehearsals for the new Özyeğin Philharmonic Orchestra.

In a public statement, Küden attributed her decision to Say’s conduct as the orchestra’s artistic director. She said the treatment she experienced would be unacceptable in the leading international orchestras with which she regularly works. She nevertheless expressed her hope that the new ensemble would establish a healthy working environment and continue for many years.

A dispute immediately after the launch

Küden served as concertmaster at the orchestra’s inaugural concert on November 9 at Istanbul’s Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Exhibition Centre. Tianyi Lu conducted a programme pairing Beethoven’s Egmont Overture with Say’s piano concerto Mother Earth, with the composer as soloist.

Her announcement establishes a decision to stop working on Say’s projects. It does not specify the contractual status of her relationship with the Özyeğin Philharmonic or describe a formal resignation from a permanent concertmaster position. Turkish coverage has also noted that a formal departure from the orchestra has not been separately confirmed.

No response from Say or the orchestra was located at the time of writing. The account of the rehearsal conduct remains Küden’s allegation.

A forthcoming appearance in question

The published season programme also lists Küden as concertmaster for the orchestra’s December 26 concert at Volkswagen Arena, conducted by Howard Griffiths, with Say among the soloists. Her announcement raises questions about that appearance, although no confirmed replacement was identified in the reporting reviewed.

Established through an initiative led by Fiba Group founder Hüsnü Özyeğin, the Philharmonic combines orchestral performances with educational activities developed alongside the Hüsnü Özyeğin Foundation and Özyeğin University. Its stated ambitions include supporting emerging musicians, presenting concerts across Turkey and developing an international profile.