Fora Baltacigil, double bass

Bassist Fora Baltacigil joined the New York Philharmonic as Principal Bass in the 2012—13 season. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Mr. Baltacigil started studying the bass at the age of nine with his father, principal double bass of the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra. He received his bachelor’s degree from Istanbul University Conservatory in 2002 and an artist diploma in 2006 from The Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Hal Robinson and Edgar Meyer in Philadelphia.

In September 2012 Fora Baltacigil and his brother Efe, principal cellist of the Seattle Symphony, performed Bottesini’s Grand Duo with the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. In 2008 he performed John Harbison’s Concerto for Bass Viol with the Minnesota Orchestra.

Prior to the Philharmonic, Mr. Baltacigil was a member of the Berlin Philharmonic and principal bass of the Minnesota Orchestra. In 2008 he performed with Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble and major festivals as a soloist and chamber musician. Mr. Baltacigil was awarded the McKnight Foundation of Minnesota Artist Fellowship in 2009, first prize at the Caprio Young Artists Competition of the Riverside Symphonia in 2006, and first prize at the Delaware Symphony Concerto Competition in 2004. He spends his free time sailing, diving, and cooking.