International Honors & Achievements

Philip Brunelle, PhD — Conductor and Founder, VocalEssence

“Ahter Destan is a very talented and important conductor. I had a privilege of observing her work in 2004 when I served on the jury of the international Bartok competition. At the time we awarded her a special prize as the best foreign conductor — she absolutely stood out from among a group of candidates. She was most impressive at the Festival conducting (from memory) her choir. She is obviously a person with great flexibility, a woman with zeal and energy who could really make a difference...”

Prof. Péter Erdei — Chairman, Choral Conducting Department, Liszt Academy of Music

“Ahter Destan is an accomplished choral conductor and an ever-searching type of pedagogue. She is the type of person to generate activity, produce high quality and exercise great humanistic care towards her students and co-workers. Her artistic life can be characterized by two words: uncompromising and as well creative. In years I have known her I always found her judgment based on her constant drive for quality, originality as well as tolerance. She is a born lieder, her choirs always perform to the highest musical level yet she is always modest and searching for better solutions. Her vision is clear and broad, she is constantly looking for new literature, new methods and always to attract audiences to choral art.”

María Guinand — Vice President for Latin America, IFCM

“The excellent work of Ms. Destan with different ensembles is the best testimony of her skills and professionalism as a committed musician, pedagogue and conductor. The many international Prizes and Awards she has obtained in the last years are also a recognition to her artistry. Her Curriculum Vitae and training under Maestro Vassil Arnaudov are enough evidence of her capacity...”

Following the Gorizia International Competition — January 2003

“I remember very well your appearance with the Ankapella Ensemble in Gorizia. Especially your rendering of the Gallus piece in Aquileia was the best I have heard in this Seghizzi competition and would have deserved a 1st Prize! (...)”

Following the Debrecen International Competition — August 2004

“Since 12 years I go to many and many Festivals and Competitions, I never heard such a high level with so many excellent choirs. It clearly means that your 2nd Prize is a wonderful Prize, and I don't hesitate to assert that, in other circumstances, your performance could have been awarded a 1st Prize.”

Following the Debrecen International Competition — November 2004

“It was really a great pleasure to hear my piece in your performance. All the members of the Jury had a good opinion of the high level of singing of your choir and the perfect understanding of the European musical idiom.”

Concert at L'Île-Bouchard, France — May 2005

“The ANKAPELLA choir gave an unforgettable moment to the audience. (...) The audience appreciated the direction of choir conductor Ahter Destan who with ease, grace, precision, and emotion presented a varied repertoire ranging from Claude Debussy to Ismail Sezen, and from Victoria to Maurice Duruflé. (...) It was under a thunder of applause that the ANKAPELLA choir departed, leaving in everyone's heart an unforgettable memory.”

Following the 34th Florilège Vocal de Tours — May 2005

“Once more I warmly congratulate you with this well deserved triumph! The international Jury acted exactly what I predicted and I am very happy to have witnessed your Ensemble and yourself as a 'chief' having worked hard to get all these singers in tune, in line, in rhythm etc and, very important, working towards this very homogeneous sound which is the character (read 'signature') of this group of singers.”

Musique en Morvan Festival, France — July 2006

“Ankapella, the Turkish choir from Ankara, gave and received immeasurable pleasure in singing both its contemporaries and the classics of polyphony. This ensemble particularly captivated the audience with its sincerity. A rare moment of emotion.”

Musique en Morvan Festival, France — July 2006

“The Ankapella Choir literally captivated the audience. (...) Ahter Destan, its choir conductor, leads it like a professional ensemble and it is no surprise either that the Special Prize for the best foreign choir conductor was awarded to her in 2004 by the International Music Committee of UNESCO.”

Saint-Félicien Festival Vochora, France — August 2006

“Thank you for offering us all your talent and your love of singing. This evening in Saint-Félicien was sublime. Continue to enchant us. A great thank you to your choir conductor of exceptional professionalism. Come back to our beautiful region!”