Violist Beste Tiknaz Modiri was born in Istanbul, Turkey, and began her viola studies at Istanbul Conservatory with Ani Inci. She received a Performance Diploma from the Boston Conservatory with Leonard Matczynski, and an Artist Diploma from Istanbul University and Chamber Music Diploma from The University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna MDW with Prof. J. Meissl. She is currently Professor of Viola at Istanbul University State Conservatory and head of string department. Founder and Artistic Director of Bosphorus International Music Academy and Vice President of Turkish Viola Society and Music Director of Point Counter Point Session 4 in Vermont. In addition to being a prize-winning soloist, Beste is also an active chamber music player and Principal Violist of many Orchestras. Her Album on Turkish Music for Viola and Piano has been released on Alto Music Label in October 2021. As principal violist of Borusan Istanbul Philarmonic, she has recorded for Deutche Grammophon, Onxy,
and Deutsche Welle. As an Apple Hill alumna, Beste received one of the first Turkish Playing for Peace scholarships to attend Apple Hill in the summer of 2003.
Summer Chamber Music Workshop Participants
“I learned how to listen, how to be helpful, and how to be accepting at Apple Hill.”
“I liked the opportunity to play chamber music with talented musicians and excellent coaches in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.”
