Can Özhan has built a career that moves between performing on global stages and creating artistic infrastructure for rising generations of musicians.
Artist Playbook caught up with the Turkish violinist to explore how cultural roots, openness, and experience have shaped his journey.
“The strongest musical ideas are not always the loudest ones.“
You’re a global artist with Anatolian roots. How does that shape you?
I learned to be rooted and open at the same time.
Growing up in Turkey meant being surrounded by a culture where East and West, tradition and modernity, constantly meet.
That diversity taught me to remain curious and open as a musician while carrying a strong sense of where I come from as I explore new perspectives.
How does moving between soloist and chamber roles influence you?
Being a soloist teaches you to have a voice.
Chamber music teaches you when to listen.
Moving between the two has shown me that the most compelling music often emerges when musicians truly listen and respond to one another.
What wisdom from your life today would surprise your younger self?
Artistry can mean building something beyond yourself. My younger self probably imagined becoming an artist was mostly about mastering the violin and performing onstage. Today, I understand that it can also mean creating projects, bringing musicians together, and opening doors for the next generation.
You’ve invested a lot in creating opportunities for others. How has mentoring impacted you?
Teaching is a two-way process. Mentoring young musicians has made me question and understand my own musicianship more deeply.
Helping a young artist discover their own voice rather than simply imitating yours continually reminds me why I chose music in the first place.
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