Cenk Karaferya
A Beautiful Operatic
of Delight
By: Valentine Rossetti
It has been said that physical beauty and unbridled talent can never be part of the same person’s make up. Life can never be that fair…….can it? Just look at Pavarotti who had the most beautiful voice in the world yet physically (saying in the kindest way possible) he was most definitely not beautiful, Brazilian super model Giselle Bundchen has the beauty of a seraphim yet no discernable talent to speak of, except sashaying up a cat walk. But of course there are some exceptions, one being Cenk Karaferya, a magnificent counter tenor who has the right sort of dusky sultry looks that could easily land him a role in a chocolate commercial, playing a mystical eastern prince riding through the desert on a white steed, and has the operatic talents that could melt the heart of the sternest philistine. Apart from having such great beauty and the gorgeous haunting voice of an ethereal angel, Cenk is also the gay guy you'd want in, so he has that extra sparkle of creativity and elegance when performing, so with a combination of all this we get someone truly special.
Having such immense passion for classical music not to mention the drive to succeed and the wanting to appeal to a broader audience than that of his contemporaries, Cenk is a shining gem in the already bulging sea of operatic talent. His voice has such a magnificent lilting quality which can not be described in words, a soft and gentle yet haunting sound. To hear him sing some of the great classics by Vivaldi is to be treated to an ear pleasing sensation, and a treat for the eye too watching him perform. He recorded his debut album early this year with his group 'The Broschi Ensemble' entitled Vivaldi & Handel Opera Arias, bringing about yet more rapturous praise from the critics, Cenk’s superstardom is surely only a short breath away.
His acclaim is growing and growing, having been interviewed by many of the top culture magazines of Europe and now spreading into oriental territory having had a whole section of the news site CNN Turk dedicated to him. His talents were recognized early on from his days training at the Trinity College of Music, he has been a part of some of the most prestigious opera companies in the world such as Opera De Bauge in Paris, also recording sound tracks to BBC dramas. His festival appearances are as diverse as his talents, performing at some of the great classical music events from the London Handel Festival to the Istanbul Barok Festival.
His group 'The Broschi Ensemble' was formed in 2007, a diverse mixture of cultural backgrounds and styles, there repertoire is baroque and classical, a fantastically gorgeous accompaniment to Cenk’s beautiful voice.
In this interview with Cenk he talks candidly about his work, love for classical music as well about his hopes and dreams for the future, speaking in depth all whilst suffering from a terrible viral infection.
It has been said that physical beauty and unbridled talent can never be part of the same person’s make up. Life can never be that fair…….can it? Just look at Pavarotti who had the most beautiful voice in the world yet physically (saying in the kindest way possible) he was most definitely not beautiful, Brazilian super model Giselle Bundchen has the beauty of a seraphim yet no discernable talent to speak of, except sashaying up a cat walk. But of course there are some exceptions, one being Cenk Karaferya, a magnificent counter tenor who has the right sort of dusky sultry looks that could easily land him a role in a chocolate commercial, playing a mystical eastern prince riding through the desert on a white steed, and has the operatic talents that could melt the heart of the sternest philistine. Apart from having such great beauty and the gorgeous haunting voice of an ethereal angel, Cenk is also the gay guy you'd want in, so he has that extra sparkle of creativity and elegance when performing, so with a combination of all this we get someone truly special.
Having such immense passion for classical music not to mention the drive to succeed and the wanting to appeal to a broader audience than that of his contemporaries, Cenk is a shining gem in the already bulging sea of operatic talent. His voice has such a magnificent lilting quality which can not be described in words, a soft and gentle yet haunting sound. To hear him sing some of the great classics by Vivaldi is to be treated to an ear pleasing sensation, and a treat for the eye too watching him perform. He recorded his debut album early this year with his group 'The Broschi Ensemble' entitled Vivaldi & Handel Opera Arias, bringing about yet more rapturous praise from the critics, Cenk’s superstardom is surely only a short breath away.
His acclaim is growing and growing, having been interviewed by many of the top culture magazines of Europe and now spreading into oriental territory having had a whole section of the news site CNN Turk dedicated to him. His talents were recognized early on from his days training at the Trinity College of Music, he has been a part of some of the most prestigious opera companies in the world such as Opera De Bauge in Paris, also recording sound tracks to BBC dramas. His festival appearances are as diverse as his talents, performing at some of the great classical music events from the London Handel Festival to the Istanbul Barok Festival.
His group 'The Broschi Ensemble' was formed in 2007, a diverse mixture of cultural backgrounds and styles, there repertoire is baroque and classical, a fantastically gorgeous accompaniment to Cenk’s beautiful voice.
In this interview with Cenk he talks candidly about his work, love for classical music as well about his hopes and dreams for the future, speaking in depth all whilst suffering from a terrible viral infection.
So Cenk when did you first discover this great talent for singing?
I’ve always sung as a kid and I remember giving little concerts to my friends from our balcony as early as four, this was one of my favorite games to play alongside hide and seek. I came from a very musical family so I was always encouraged by everyone to make music or something creative to explain ourselves better and to communicate through creativity. If I had to pick a period in my life where I discovered my talent and wanted to run with it, it was my last year in high school. This was a time when I was doing vocal competitions throughout Europe and getting great results. I was also pushed by my music teacher who was almost a Father figure to me and a wonderful support.
When and what made you really want-in the world of classical music?
My Aunt, who is a classical violin player, used to take me to classical concerts as a kid and she used to play classical records just before bedtime, so she was a great influence. But I think I chose classical music when I knew that I wanted to do music and I wanted to do music properly. Even though I used to hear and watch classical music being performed. I was still very distant and it seemed to me that it was something to figure out and find out its mystery.
Your immense passion for classical music is very clear indeed, when did this passion first start to develop?
The passion developed in my first year of studies at college. I found out that I was actually higher than a tenor, a countertenor and that was a rarity. So, I took this to measure and really pushed myself to work really hard. I remember doing vocal exercises till they threw us all out from the practice rooms in the evenings.
What or who have been your greatest inspirations?
There are many great performers and leaders who have inspired me throughout my life. It’s hard to name a few when there are so many! But I guess my mum as she is the rock in my life.
Out of all your performances with some of Europe’s greatest opera companies, what has been your most favorite to date?
That is a hard question. I have to admit my most favorite time to work is with 'Broshci Ensemble' but besides that it would be performances that I have done in France and Italy. Just the lifestyle out there makes our work come together, with lots of good wine, food and weather!
You mentioned the 'Broschi Ensemble', a classical group you formed in 2007, what were your feelings when you first performed with them?
'Broschi Ensemble' is an orchestra that I planted the seeds of whilst at college. I went into forming this orchestra as I thought it was very natural for a singer to have an accompanist and what better way to have a full on orchestra that the music I perform calls for. For 'Broschi Ensemble' to do well makes me very proud. We had a great few months performing at wonderful concert halls across the UK. They already had a gay choir called Diversity. This was a very proud moment for me, watching them accompany these singers.
“I wouldn’t want to pin point as 'we' as human beings evolve and so does art.…, during the transition of coming out I thought that sexuality played a role in me as an artist…”
As someone of such a young age compared to that of your contemporaries in the same area of classical music, do you feel you have a greater advantage in appealing to a broader audience?
I do hope that, it would be the case! I think that we do live in a world where we are more in tune with our eyes and what we see. So marketing goes a little further if you look young and fresh. Although this certainly isn’t something that your peers give you merits for in the classical music genre. It’s more to do with your art and how well you do it, I think the music that I perform which is mostly from the Baroque period is beyond me. It really works very well with our time! It’s more relevant than any other classical genre in music, as it is more organic, improvisational, elegant, elaborate and new. So many of these pieces that I’ve been performing of Vivaldi is newly found and is an excitement to the performer and the listener.
Starting to delve deeper into Cenk the artist, I ask him as a gay man does your sexuality play a role in you as a performer?
Maybe during the transition of coming out I thought that it really did. Maybe it really has, throughout my life? I really wouldn’t want to pin point as 'we' as human beings evolve and so does art. My performance of a role today will change totally tomorrow. But looking at it overall this is who I am and if 'gay' is in that equation, yes then being a gay man dose play a role.
I do hope that, it would be the case! I think that we do live in a world where we are more in tune with our eyes and what we see. So marketing goes a little further if you look young and fresh. Although this certainly isn’t something that your peers give you merits for in the classical music genre. It’s more to do with your art and how well you do it, I think the music that I perform which is mostly from the Baroque period is beyond me. It really works very well with our time! It’s more relevant than any other classical genre in music, as it is more organic, improvisational, elegant, elaborate and new. So many of these pieces that I’ve been performing of Vivaldi is newly found and is an excitement to the performer and the listener.
Starting to delve deeper into Cenk the artist, I ask him as a gay man does your sexuality play a role in you as a performer?
Maybe during the transition of coming out I thought that it really did. Maybe it really has, throughout my life? I really wouldn’t want to pin point as 'we' as human beings evolve and so does art. My performance of a role today will change totally tomorrow. But looking at it overall this is who I am and if 'gay' is in that equation, yes then being a gay man dose play a role.
After talking to so many gay artistes from all areas of the performing arts, almost all of them say they want to be a good role model to young gay people. Do you feel the same?
Of course, I grew up trying to find good role models so I would love to be seen as a good role model. It’s hard to say “I’m a good role model” but I can definitely say that “I strive to be a good role model”!
Crossing the line and asking a more personal question. What is your definition of love? And are you looking for love at the moment?
Definition of love is the one that you have with yourself. As this doesn’t sound so exciting, it is the truth. If you love yourself you can love another, also we are all alone here so we should enjoy any engagements, however, long that they are and not expect people to be what they aren’t. I’m not looking for love at the moment, for some reason every time I look for it, it never shows up. So I think I’ll let it happen when it wants to….
What do you hope to achieve in later life?
A wonderful career I can look back on and be proud of….
And finally in your personal life are you fulfilled or are you still searching?
I don’t think anyone is fulfilled. If I were to be fulfilled then I would just say quit, finished, done! So yes I am always on a search….
Want to
Cenk
more?
Get to know Cenk even more by checking his offical site, also join his facebook group and get access to his audio and music:
-Cenk Facebook's group (here)
-Offical Website (here)
Cenk
more?
Get to know Cenk even more by checking his offical site, also join his facebook group and get access to his audio and music:
-Cenk Facebook's group (here)
-Offical Website (here)