Ayşe Sezerman, born in Celle, Germany, is a distinguished Turkish soprano with an extensive career in opera and voice pedagogy. She completed her high school education at Üsküdar American Academy in Istanbul and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Finance from Boğaziçi University. Her formal vocal journey began at Istanbul University State Conservatory, where she trained in voice and opera. Upon graduation, she pursued a Master of Music in Voice at the renowned Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University, under the tutelage of legendary soprano Virginia Zeani and esteemed bass Nicola Rossi-Lemeni.
For over thirty years, Sezerman has been a principal soprano with the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, performing in numerous lead roles across a wide operatic repertoire. She has graced stages in the USA and Europe, receiving acclaim for her powerful performances and artistic dedication. In addition to her stage career, Ms. Sezerman served as the Assistant Artistic Director of Istanbul State Opera, where she managed the Turkish premieres of significant works, including The Turn of the Screw (Britten) and The Rake’s Progress (Stravinsky), further establishing her commitment to promoting modern opera.
As an educator, Ms. Sezerman has been a voice instructor at Istanbul University State Conservatory for over two decades, mentoring the next generation of Turkish vocal talent. She also actively contributes to the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet as a voice teacher for young artists.
Among her accolades, Ms. Sezerman is a recipient of the prestigious Ferhan Onat Vocal Prize by the Semiha Berksoy Opera Foundation, awarded for her outstanding interpretations of Ariadne in Ariadne auf Naxos and Chrysothemis in Elektra. She was also General Secretary for the inaugural Leyla Gencer International Voice Competition in 1995 and has served as a jury member in numerous national and international vocal competitions, providing her expertise to rising artists.
In addition to her stage and educational endeavors, Ms. Sezerman produced and hosted several programs on Turkey’s National Radio Channel TRT3 for over five years, sharing her deep knowledge of opera and art song through broadcasts that reached and educated a wide audience.
