Gonca is a native of Ankara Turkey. She began her music studies on several instruments at an early age, concentrating on piano. At age eleven she began her studies on cello. She received her bachelors degree in music from Ankara State Conservatory. After college, she relocated to Adana to assume the principal cellist with the Adana Symphony at age 21. During her eight years in Adana, she taught cello at Adana State Conservatory, started the New Adana Chamber Quartet, and performed with many other ensembles and chamber groups. In addition to her teaching and performing with various orchestras and chamber ensembles, Ms. Huff was also a active soloist with performances throughout the region. During her years in Turkey, she studied with many famous cellists, including Andre Navarra, Ali Dogan, Pierre Fournier, Roman Yablonski, Irene Sharp, Rick Mooney, and Carlton McCreery.
During her years in Adana, she also wrote the music news column for the area gazette. She was selected as one of the Turkey's Junior Chamber International Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Cultural Achievement.
Gonca came to the US after she was awarded a graduate scholarship to work toward a masters degree in cello performance at the prestigious Western Michigan University. She studied cello with Professor Bruce Uchimura and Irene Sharp of Palo Alto CA.. She also studied the Suzuki cello teaching method with Grace Field and Rick Mooney. While pursuing her studies, she remained active performing with various chamber groups and orchestras.
During her years in Adana, she also wrote the music news column for the area gazette. She was selected as one of the Turkey's Junior Chamber International Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Cultural Achievement.
Gonca came to the US after she was awarded a graduate scholarship to work toward a masters degree in cello performance at the prestigious Western Michigan University. She studied cello with Professor Bruce Uchimura and Irene Sharp of Palo Alto CA.. She also studied the Suzuki cello teaching method with Grace Field and Rick Mooney. While pursuing her studies, she remained active performing with various chamber groups and orchestras.
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Orchestral Engagements
Adana State Symphony Orchestra - Principal Cellist
Shoals Symphony at UNA - Principal Cellist Istanbul State Symphony Japanese Tour - Adana State Symphony Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Tupelo Symphony Orchestra Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra University of Alabama Birmingham Opera Huntsville Opera Theater Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra Gadsden Symphony Orchestra |
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Chamber Music Emsembles
Blue Sky String Quartet
Valley Conservatory String Quartet New Adana Chamber Ensemble Quartet Felicity String Quartet Mediterranean String Quartet |
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TeachingPrivate Cello / Piano teacher
Professor of Cello Adana State Conservatory Cello Instructor, A&M University Cello Instructor, Smith String Studio Cello Instructor, Oakwood Elementary School Cello Instructor, Valley Conservatory Cello Instructor, Brought Music Center Cello Instructor, St Joseph High School |
