Niyazi Olmez

Treasure of Voices Niyazi Olmez

My aim at writing this book is to describe one of the forms of performing arts, opera, and its extension chorus through a historical perspective. It is known that the historical developments seen in opera have already been described in detail by experts in their field. However, no single book has compiled the details of our chorus. The passion for opera had its roots in Turkey at Sultanahmet Hippodrome (1582). This led me and others to become singers or actors. Our culture has gained a contemporary understanding through this very early passion. The readers of this book have remarked that the book is unique both in terms of plot and style. How has this profession evolved, what phases have shaped the profession, what has this profession gone through and have all things been terribly difficult or too easy? I have been intrigued with these questions for some time. Therefore, I have been compiling an archive including books, journals and other forms of documents for 29 years. As the writer of this book, I would like to share parts of this archive with my readers and emphasize the fact that the artists working in this field do have a precious profession. Starting with Mehmed Celebi 28, Sultan Mahmud II, Sultan Abdulmecid, Kemal Ataturk, Cemal Resit Rey, Adnan Saygun, Muhittin Sadak, Muhsin Ertugrul and Aydin Gun have strived a lot for the development of this profession. We, as artists, have minute place like droplets in this art form which has transformed into a huge ocean over the years. I have been fascinated by the impressive qualities of this art form and its significant role. That is why, I have come up with the metaphor "Treasure of Voices" and entitled the book accordingly.