Biography

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Tolga Kashif is one of the most diversely talented musicians of his generation, with successes ranging from the musical direction of the BBC Children in Need’s Platinum-selling single, ‘Perfect Day’ to composing and conducting a symphony for South Korean rock legend, Seo Tai-ji. Tolga is not only a thriving composer, but also conducts, arranges and produces many varied and exciting projects.

Tolga was commissioned by EMI Classics to compose a symphony based on the music of legendary group, Queen. The Queen Symphony was released in 2002 and received its world premiere at the Royal Festival Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Tolga. Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor attended the performance, as did Freddie Mercury’s mother, Jer Bulsara. The CD has been a great success, featuring regularly in international Classical Top 10’s.

The work has enjoyed two UK tours. The last in 2007/8 was of eight of the major concert halls in the UK, including the Sage, Birmingham Symphony Hall and The Bridgewater Hall. Internationally, Tolga conducted three performances at the Sydney Opera House which were broadcast live on ABC Australia. The Queen Symphony has also been performed in Europe, Canada and the US and was nominated for a Classical Brit Award.

In 1997 Tolga musically directed the BBC Children in Need's Platinum-selling single, ‘Perfect Day’. The single featured artists such as such as Elton John, David Bowie, Bono, Lesley Garrett, Sir Andrew Davis, the Brodsky Quartet and Courtney Pine. Not only did it win many accolades and media awards, but it grossed £2,125,000 for Children in Need.

Tolga’s remarkable performance history also includes directing the Northern Sinfonia in a successful UK tour with Lesley Garrett. His international work includes conducting the Polish National Symphony, the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra abroad in a series of concerts held as part of the Istanbul International Festival. He was also assigned the position of Permanent Guest Conductor of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra with whom he gave several concerts. He returned to Turkey at the end of 2003 to conduct in Bursa.

Tolga was a creative partner in ‘The Music Sculptors’, one of the principal companies specialising in sound-to-picture. Some of the ensembles he worked with included the BBC Symphony, BBC Scottish Symphony and the English Chamber Orchestra. He composed the soundtrack for Silver Fox Films' children's animation ‘First Snow of Winter’ (1999) which won a British Academy of Film and Television Arts Award, a Royal Television Award and a Prix Jeunesse. Following the film's success, Tolga wrote the music to the sequel: ‘The Second Star to the Left’ (2001). He also wrote the soundtrack for ‘Where the Heart Is’, ‘Q.E.D.’ and the BBC's series of documentaries concerning the Gulf War, ‘Fighting the War.’

Tolga was the arranger and producer on the debut album for Tyler Rix, winner of the 2008 BBC2’s ‘Classical Star’ talent show. The album, ‘Ascent’, reached number 1 in the UK Classical chart this year. (www.tylerrix.com). Tolga also worked with Vanessa Mae on her album ‘Choreography’ for Sony Classical records which has been described as a “sensational multi-cultural journey into dance rhythms from all over the globe”.

Tolga collaborated with Korean rock and culture icon, Seo-Taiji, for the ‘Great 2008 Seo Tai-ji Symphony’ with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Seoul World Cup Stadium, giving Seo’s rock repertoire a classical twist. As one fan stated: “The grandiosity of the 65-piece orchestra, led by England's Tolga Kashif, paired with Seo's music was not only seamless, but the infusion was so perfect that there will likely be fans who cannot fathom listening to his music in its original form again.”

Tolga has a special interest in music education and making sure that children from all different backgrounds have the opportunity to develop their love for music. He is patron of the registered charity, ‘Future Talent’, which works to encourage young children who have the potential but not the opportunity to develop their musical talent.
Tolga explains: "As a child I was fortunate enough to benefit from encouragement and teaching from a wide range of sources. Through music I have had the privilege to experience remarkable moments and have seen its capacity not only to please and harmonise, but also to heal. I have great pleasure in serving Future Talent".

www.futuretalent.org

Recently, Tolga was invited to present the Special Music Award to Radio 3 at the Sony Radio Academy Awards, hosted by Chris Evans.

This year sees Tolga start up his own music company, Lightsong Media Group Ltd. His desire to help other musicians and see a change in the stagnant music industry has led to the creation of a music company that wants to give artists a fair deal as well as promoting a new way of thinking about current models within the music industry. The ethos of community and environmental consciousness is at the centre of the company's mission. In addition to these aspects, Lightsong is also at the forefront of technological development through the adoption of cutting edge web infrastructure. As creative entrepreneurs, the Lightsong team have significant experience and a strong history of success. Tolga endeavours to make sure that Lightsong offers everyone the opportunity for creative and commercial fulfilment.

Showreel for Specially Commissioned Music

2009-06-17T09:46:00.009+01:00

Tolga Kashif Long Showreel 2009 by tolgakashif

1. "Blockbuster" - International Commercial

2. "Sure on this Shining Night" - for EMI Classics

3. Bafta Award winning - "First snow of winter"

4. "Second Star to the left" - Animation

5. Seo Taiji Track - Arrangement

6. Vanessa Mae - "Sabre Dance" Sony Track (Sync)

7. "Ascent" - Brian Eno adaptation for Sop/ Sax and Choir- Universal Classics and Jazz/commercial

8. "the Great China Wall" - Wonders of the World film.

9. "A New Heaven" - Sync Track for EMI CLassics

10. " Internet War" for Band and Orchestra - Seo Taiji S.Korea

11. "Safe from Harm" - Original Track for Universal

12. "Columba Aspexit" - Universal Classics

13. "Garden of The Prophet" Commission for English Chamber Orchestra

14. "Amazing Grace" - trad. (film mix) - Universal