During her time in Ankara, Laura extensively researched the Turkish composer, Ahmed Adnan Saygun as an assistant at the Ahmed Adnan Saygun Center for Research - Bilkent University, Ankara. Her research culminated in a doctoral dissertation entitled, “Ahmed Adnan Saygun’s Concerto For Viola and Orchestra, op. 59: Performance History, Manuscript Analysis, and New Editions." Laura’s article on the subject was released in the Journal of the American Viola Society, December 2016 issue. Laura recently presented a lecture recital entitled, “Solo Works for Viola by Turkish Nationals” at the American Viola Society Festival in June 2018. Her transcription of Saygun’s Partita for Solo Cello was newly released by Hal Leonard.
Dr. Sahin completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Music from Bilkent University as a full scholarship student of Ece Akyol. She earned her Artist Diploma and Master of Music from Boston University as a full scholarship student and teaching assistant of Michelle LaCourse and Bachelor of Music Degree from University of North Carolina School of the Arts as a full scholarship student and teaching assistant of Sheila Browne.
Link to “Partita for Viola Alone, Ahmed Adnan Saygun, transcription by Laura Manko Sahin” Hal Leonard
Link to "Ahmed Adnan Saygun’s Concerto for Viola and Orchestra, Op. 59: A Western Perspective" Journal of the American Viola Society, Volume 32, Number 2, Fall 2016 (Login Required)
Photo Credit: Joy Strotz