Gozde Tiknaz

Gozde Tiknaz was born in Turkey and graduated from Istanbul University State Conservatory with the award for Most Successful Graduate Student. In 2008, she was selected to receive a Fulbright Scholarship which enabled her to enter a master's program at Temple University's Boyer College of Music with Prof. Jeffrey Solow. She completed her master's degree winning the Albert Tashjian Prize, and she completed her Professional Studies degree in 2011.

Throughout her studies, Gozde participated in numerous masterclasses and international festivals as a soloist and chamber musician. These include the Kronberg Cello Festival (Germany), International Music Festival (Turkey), International Beethoven Festival (Germany), Bitola Music Festival (Macedonia), Bebersee Music Festival (Germany), Berlin Youth Orchestras Festival (Germany), and Young Soloists Recital Series of Leicester (England).

In 2014, Gozde toured with the Philadelphia Virtuosi Orchestra and performed at Tchaikovsky Hall and Mariinsky Concert Hall. She also has performed with Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Jill Scott, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Lauryn Hill. Gozde is currently a member of the Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, and she teaches in the Philadelphia School District as the Strings Specialist.