Who Is Fazıl Say? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Fazıl Say was born on January 14, 1970, making him 55 years old in 2025. He is a celebrated Turkish pianist and composer recognized for his virtuosic skill and contributions to both classical and contemporary music. Say began his musical journey at an early age and achieved prominence in the international music scene. With a rich cultural background that reflects Turkish heritage, Fazıl Say infuses his compositions with a unique blend of traditional elements and modern influences.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Ankara, Turkey |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Turkey |
Popularity
Fazıl Say's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Fazıl Say stands at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall. His weight is estimated to be around 160 lbs (72 kg). While specific body measurements are not widely documented, he maintains an athletic build, which is beneficial given the physicality required in his performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Fazıl Say keeps much of his personal life private. As of 2025, there have been speculations about his relationship status, but he has not publicly confirmed being in a serious relationship. He is known to have previously been linked with notable figures in the arts and music scene, but details about a current girlfriend or boyfriend are undisclosed. Say often emphasizes the importance of family and the influence they have had on his career.
His father, Ahmet Say, was an author and musicologist. His mother, Gürgün Say, was a pharmacist. His grandfather Fazıl Say, whose name he shares, was a member of the Spartakusbund. Say was a child prodigy, who was able to do basic arithmetic with 4-digit numbers at the age of two.
His father, having found out that he was playing the melody of "Daha Dün Annemizin" (Turkish version of Ah! vous dirai-je, maman) on a makeshift flute with no prior training, enlisted the help of Ali Kemal Kaya, an oboist and family friend. At the age of three, Say started his piano lessons under the tutelage of pianist Mithat Fenmen.
Net Worth and Salary
Fazıl Say's net worth is estimated to be around $8 million in 2025. His earnings come from various sources, including concert performances, album sales, and composition royalties. Say's stature in the international music scene allows him to command high fees for performances, contributing to his substantial revenue.
Say wrote his first piece, a piano sonata, in 1984, at the age of fourteen, when he was a student at the Ankara State Conservatory. It was followed, in this early phase of his development, by several chamber works without an opus number, including Schwarze Hymnen for violin and piano and a guitar concerto.
He subsequently designated as his opus 1 one of the works that he had played in the concert that won him the Young Concert Artists Auditions in New York: Four Dances of Nasreddin Hodja (1990).
This work already displays in essence the significant features of his personal style: a rhapsodic, fantasia-like basic structure; a variable rhythm, often dance-like, though formed through syncopation; a continuous, vital driving pulse; and a wealth of melodic ideas often based on themes from the folk music of Turkey and its neighbours.
He drew from local traditional tradition like Béla Bartók, George Enescu and György Ligeti. He attracted international attention with the piano piece Black Earth, Op. 8 (1997), in which he employs techniques made popular by John Cage's works for prepared piano.
Career, Business and Investments
Fazıl Say's illustrious career has seen him perform in prestigious venues worldwide, from the Royal Albert Hall in London to Carnegie Hall in New York. Entrenched in the classical music genre, Say is also a pioneer of contemporary compositions, blending different styles, including jazz and Turkish folk music. Beyond performances, he has ventured into business by establishing a line of music schools in Turkey and investing in projects that support young musicians.
Social Network
Fazıl Say is active on social media, where he engages with fans and shares insights into his music and performances. His Instagram account boasts thousands of followers, where he posts updates on tours, performances, and personal anecdotes. Say's social media presence allows him to connect with a global audience and promote his work extensively.
In April 2012, Say came under investigation by the Istanbul Prosecutor's Office over statements made on Twitter, after declaring himself an atheist and retweeting a famous poem of 11th century muslim polymath Omar Khayyam which criticises twisted conception of paradise of some fundamentalist schools and movements.
Say then announced that he was considering leaving Turkey to live in Japan because of the rise of conservative Islam and growing intolerance in his home country.
Education
Fazıl Say studied at the Ankara Conservatory, where he honed his skills in piano and composition. He later pursued further education at the prestigious Hochschule für Musik in Düsseldorf, Germany. Say's academic background has greatly influenced his musical style and dedication to his craft. His educational journey is a testament to his commitment to excellence in music.
