Özay Günay studied at the National Conservatory of Mimar Sinan University in Performance Arts and Opera in İstanbul. She received voice coaching from Prof. Güzin Gürel, stage and performance training by Aydın Gün.

Mrs Günay made her professional singing debut while she was still a student, performing many solo recitals. Following an invitation by the İstanbul European Choir in 1993, she performed the alto solo in Mozart's “Missa Brevis” under the baton of Sylvene Maire. In 1995, she performed in the Turkish premiere of Purcell's “Dido and Aeneas”. The latter was also performed in Othello Castle and Bela Pais Monastery in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Among her notable performances, Asya in Uzeyir Hacibeyov's signature operetta “Arşın Mal Alan” in the Turkish premiere in Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall are to be noted.

One of her many solo recitals was in the framework of the 25th International İstanbul Music Festivals' Young Soloist Series, followed by her portrayal of the alto solo in Beethoven's “Scottish Songs”accompanied by the İstanbul Chamber Music Ensemble, which was another premiere in Turkey. 1998 marked her debut with the İstanbul State Opera and Ballet (IDOB). Her performance of the alto solo in Mozart's “Requiem” with the European Choir of İstanbul under Maestro Stephan Lomas was highly acclaimed.

Besides her busy performance schedule, Mrs Günay also attended master classes in İstanbul with Leyla Pınar on Baroque music, and with thelegendary soprano Leyla Gencer, in Vienna with Prof. Eva Blahova, then in İstanbul with Mauro Trombetta. In year 2000, she won the second prize in International Prof. Josef Dichler Young Musicians Competition held in Vienna. This was followed by a performance of the alto solo part of Bach's “Magnificat” at İstanbul Hagia Irini Church, also in Antalya Aspendos Theatre with Akbank Chamber Orchestra and Madrid Choir under Cem Mansur. Mrs Günay was invited to perform in many festivals around Europe in Such countries as Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Austria. In 2002, she gave highly praised concerts with Bratislava Opera Orchestra within the 47th International Piestansky Music Festival and the 57th Teplice Music Festival, under Martin Majkut. Besides her singing career, Mrs Günay has been working in the medical field, within the Faculty of Medicine Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, the Phoniatrics Department of the İstanbul University, Voice and Speech Therapy.

As a member of the İstanbul State Opera, her performances as soloist in Rigoletto, Do You Love Mozart, La Traviata, Trouble in Tahiti were highly praised by audiences and critics alike. Known as the 'Mezzosoprano of the premieres', she was also invited to perform her brilliant portrayal of Meg Page in the Turkish premiere of Verdi's “Falstaff” in 2004. The year 2005 was marked by her performance as a soloist in the gala concert of the İstanbul State Symphony Orchestra, under Vesna Souc. The latter has also been recorded and published for music lovers. The Austrian Cultural Center became the stage of her recital with baritone Önay Günay. Meike Nollmann conducted her alto solo performance and the Borusan Philharmonic Orchestra and Pera & European Voices İstanbul Choir for Bach's “Weihnachts Oratorium”. She performed Emilia in Verdi's “Otello” in 2006-2007 season.

Among her most recent and notable performances, Mrs. Günay performed as soloist in several Baroque Music Concerts and alto soloist part in Beethoven's 'Symphony No.9” during 2007-2008 season. She has been performing Opera Twins concert series together with her twin brother Baritone Önay Günay in and out of Turkey. In 2009-2010 season they were invited by İzmir State Opera and Ballet for a performance in Elhamra Theatre. She gave recitals in Ankara State Opera and Ballet in November 2011 and in İstanbul Caddebostan Cultural Center in March 2011. In October 2012 she took part in International Pera Arts Festival as a soloist. She gave recitals in the opening concert of 1st İzmir Baroque Days in 2013 and in Leyla Gencer Opera and Arts Centre in April 2016. In 2017, she appeared in Vivaldi's “Bajazet” as Andronico in İstanbul State Opera and Ballet. In 2018, she performed as a soloist in Amsterdam De Rode Hoed Concert Hall, gave a recital named “Lieberabend”, performed Baroque Concert with the Chamber Orchestra, and appeared in Verdi's “Aida” as Sacerdotessa in 25th Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. In November 2018, she performed as one of the soloists in IDOB’s “A Shrine to Atatürk” concert. January of 2019 found Özay Günay starring in a “Baroque Concert” alongside countertenor Harun Ateş at Yeldeğirmeni Art Center. In February, she interpreted “Liederabend” at İstanbul State Opera and Ballet with baritone Önay Günay. The same month, she sang the mezzo solo part in Ahmed Adnan Saygun’s “Yunus Emre Oratorio and Ballet”. In March, she was Andronico to Vivialdi’s “Bajazet.”

Özay Günay is currently on the roster of IDOB, and is successfully pursuing her career with concerts, recitals, and operas.