SEMİHA BERKSOY
1910
She was born in Istanbul.
1928
She started to study drama at Istanbul Conservatory and painting at Namık Ismail Studio of the Academy of Fine Arts.
1931
She played a part in the first Turkish Picture, Streets of Istanbul directed by Muhsin Ertuğrul.
1932
She started to work at Dârülbedâyi (Istanbul City Theatre).
1934
She played the role of Ayşim with the request of Atatürk in the first Turkish Opera, Özsoy written with the request of Atatürk.
1936 - 1939
Between 1936 and 1939 she studied Opera in Germany at the Berlin State Academy of Music with state scholarship. She graduated from the academy at the top of her class.
1939
She became the first Turkish Opera Singer to perform in Europe with the lead role of Ariadne in the opera, Ariadne Auf Naxos .
1946
She was appointed as a member of the Presidential Philharmonic Orchestra to the State Conservatory.
1958
She asked to be transferred to Turkish State Theatres.
1963
She sang for the last time on stage when she was 53.
1972
She retired from the State Opera and Ballet. She never stopped painting.
1984
She was given Atatürk Opera Award by the T.B.M.M as the First Female Opera Singer in the public sector.
1998
She was granted the honorary title of National Artist.
1999
She was exactly 89 years old when she sang an aria in New York.
2004
Semiha Berksoy died leaving countless work of art she gave a voice to and created on canvas...
