This is Chengdu｜My Heart Finds Home

Born in Izmir, Türkiye, Umit Isgorur began learning the cello at the age of 10, and his musical career has spanned over 50 years. He founded the Dokuz Eylul University Symphony Orchestra in Türkiye and became the country's first tenured cello professor. Over the years, he has also served as principal cellist in several American orchestras and held concerts and masterclasses in Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Ecuador, Cuba, and the United States. When he received an invitation from the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts of Chengdu University, he was also offered a position at a music conservatory in Germany. Yet he gladly accepted the teaching role in Chengdu: "Eastern culture fascinates me. I wanted to see a different world."

As an accomplished musician and educator, Umit  Isgorur speaks highly of Chengdu's musical environment: "The music scene here is vibrant. There are numerous orchestras, concert halls, and theaters. It's easy for citizens to enjoy frequent performances. I'd love more opportunities to participate in local concerts while inspiring younger generations to fall in love with classical music." He also notes Chengdu's warm climate and suggests hosting open-air concerts year-round.

Chengdu and Izmir are sister cities, and Umit Isgorur finds many similarities between them: agreeable weather, spicy cuisine, and a leisurely pace of life. "So I never feel like an outsider in Chengdu—it's more like a familiar and friendly place."

The longer he lives in Chengdu, the more Umit Isgorur adores it. "Though I'm a musician, and much of my life revolves around music, I still experience Chengdu's charm in many ways. The city treasures its traditions, its people are warm and welcoming, and taste of food is everywhere. At the same time, Chengdu is rapidly developing—with efficient transportation, comfortable living conditions, and a rich musical atmosphere. It's a perfect blend of heritage and modernity, culture and progress."
Source: HomeinChengdu