Given Naki Ataman’s background, the musical accomplishments of this multitalented man are not surprising.  Critics have used all the superlatives to describe Naki’s piano virtuosity as;  “…dazzling.….lyrical….impeccable….exceptionally sensitive…. astounding…. magnificent…. unusually inventive…. brilliant….”

The son of a renowned concert violinist and conductor Zeki Ataman, Naki was born in the ancient city of Istanbul, but raised and educated in Turkey’s modern capital, Ankara.  He began his musical studies at the age of 4 and made his stage debut at 8.  Considered a child prodigy, Naki was regularly asked to perform with Turkey’s leading orchestras, as well as to give command solo performances for distinguished audiences both at home and abroad. 

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Naki is fluent in 6 languages and is a Clinical Psychologist by education.  Although Mr. Ataman is an exceptionally talented entertainer and recording artist, his first love and passion is performing for live audiences.  He has appeared on numerous TV programs in various countries as well as hosting Radio and TV shows in Turkey.

Naki was formally trained as a classical pianist and spent the first years of his career performing the works of the classical masters in recitals and concerts.  He has since developed his own unique style and prefers a wide variety of music that appeals to mixed audiences.  He is also a talented composer and arranger and frequently writes short lyrical pieces for various instruments, as well as jingles for TV commercials and music tracts for documentary series.

In 1975, Mr. Ataman gave a concert for the United Nations Cultural Conference held in Vienna, Austria, for which he conceived the idea of an evening of music encompassing many of the countries represented at the conference.  Since then, the show he created for the United Nations, and entitled “Around the World with Naki Ataman”, has taken him literally around the world on concert stages of many countries and show stages of various luxury cruise lines. Along with his musical performances, he also very often lectures on the culture and history of his beloved country, and is considered to be one of Turkey’s tireless Goodwill Ambassador’s.

As well versed in popular music, Jazz, and musical comedy as he is in the light classics, Naki is undeniably a favorite on concert and show stages throughout the world.

Once you have witnessed this man’s talent, virtuosity, and elegance, you may come up with superlatives of your own.