Idil Yunkuş

Hello all! I am İdil Yunkuş, a Turkish violinist based in The Hague. 

I was born into a family of musicians, and ever since then, I have been carrying music and art as a part of who I am. 

I believe that I am a colorful and warm human being and I love to communicate with people through music! 

After moving to the Netherlands to pursue my music education in 2018, I completed my pre-bachelor diploma at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with Ilya Grubert and my bachelor's diploma at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague with Theodora Geraets and Janet Krause, receiving the ‘Awards Klassiek’ by the Keep an Eye Foundation as part of my final recital. In June 2025, I concluded my master’s degree with cum-laude under the guidance of Janet Krause’s, earning Jaring Walta Prize for ‘Best Interpretation of Modern Solo Work’ for Theo Loevendie’s Dance.

In 2024, I got awarded with the ‘Vioolbeurs’ by Het Kersjes Foundation, which is genuinely continuing to support my development as an all-around musician- following my graduation.

Ever since my childhood, I embraced a sincere love for chamber music and orchestra playing. As a young artist, I took place as a concertmaster in youth orchestras like the Doğuş Children Symphony Orchestra, Turkish Youth Philarmonic Orchestra, and the Netherlands Youth Orchestra. Upon moving abroad, I formed ensembles to explore different colors within the music and exchange insights together with my fellow musicians, such as Ensemble Orochi, Kali Ensemble, and Abo Trio. I became a regular member of Ciconia Consort and Reis Orkest Arnhem. 

Aside from following my passion for sharing the stage with different artists, I have started to grow curiosity and enthusiasm for performing solo over the last couple of years. This inspired me to form my own vision as an artist and increased my motivation to look for ways to broaden my perspective. 

At this point, I realized that I needed an instrument that could support me in achieving my goals in this new direction I took on this path. As an international student, it is really hard to find a place that you can turn to for help and rely on. After I discovered Het Muziekinstrumentenfonds and applied for a violin, I got the honor of being selected among the applicants and met my current instrument which was made in 1800 by the great Dutch violin maker Johannes Theodorus Cuypers. I can't describe the difference it made in such a short time. I already started to feel the ease and flexibility it introduced to my life. I deeply admire the hard work that Het Muziekinstrumentenfonds has been maintaining and the way they touch the lives of countless young artists, like myself. 

I can't wait to embark on this journey that is ahead of me!