Vice President Susan H. Murphy issued the following message of condolence Oct. 8:

It is with great sadness that I share news of the death of one of our students, Taylan Cihan, a 36-year-old doctoral student in music in the Graduate School. Taylan died October 8 in Ithaca.

As a composer and performer with a background in jazz, he focused on improvisation and sound exploration. His work included creating environmental sound installations and audience interactive performances, and building electronic instruments. Taylan was a founding member of Cornell Avant Garde Ensemble (CAGE), a performing ensemble dedicated to freely improvised music. At Cornell, he studied composition with Department of Music faculty members Steven Stucky, Roberto Sierra and Kevin Ernste. He earned a master’s of music degree from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s degree with a focus on jazz performance and composition from Istanbul Bilgi University.

On behalf of the entire Cornell community, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Taylan’s family, friends, colleagues and mentors. Please join me in taking a moment to acknowledge and remember this member of our community.

Resources:

Support services are available to all members of the Cornell community. Students may consult with counselors from Gannett Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) by calling 607-255-5155. Students may speak with a peer counselor by calling EARS at 607-255-3277.

Employees may call the Faculty Staff Assistance Program at 607-255-2673. The Ithaca-based CrisisLine is available at 607-272-1616. For additional resources, visit the Caring Community site.