Organised by Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) with the sponsorship of Borusan Holding, Türkiye’s longest-running classical music event, the 54th Istanbul Music Festival, will take place from 11 to 25 June 2026.
Centred on the theme “Here & Now”, this year’s edition reflects on the ephemeral nature of music, foregrounding the uniqueness of live performance and the unrepeatable experience of the present moment. Over the course of two weeks, the festival will present 22 concerts across Istanbul, bringing together more than 80 artists and ensembles.
The programme features internationally renowned ensembles including the Wiener Symphoniker, Kammerakademie Potsdam, Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, Tekfen Philharmonic Orchestra and Aterballetto.
Acclaimed soloists such as Bruce Liu, Kian Soltani, Behzod Abduraimov, Lucas Jussen and Arthur Jussen, Ian Bostridge and Iestyn Davies will also appear in the programme.
This year’s edition includes three world premieres, among them new commissions by composers Kaan Bulak and Donghoon Shin.
The festival’s Honorary Award will be presented to composer Turgay Erdener, recognised for his distinctive musical language that bridges tradition and contemporary expression. The Lifetime Achievement Award will go to legendary pianist Maria João Pires, celebrated for her deeply humanistic approach to music-making.
Concerts will be held in 14 venues across the city, including Arter, Atatürk Cultural Centre (AKM), Salon İKSV, Süreyya Opera House and Grand Bazaar, alongside historic and open-air locations such as Bahariye Mevlevihanesi, İBB Kadıköy Yoğurtçu Park, the Garden of the Consulate General of Italy, Crimea Memorial Church, Surp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Catholic Church, Üç Horan Armenian Church, İş Towers Hall, Atatürk Urban Forest and Yıldız Park.
With its focus on the immediacy of live performance and a programme that brings together leading orchestras, distinguished soloists and new commissions, the 54th Istanbul Music Festival once again positions Istanbul as a key meeting point for classical music this June.
