İş Sanat announced its 26th season at a press conference held on Wednesday, September 24th, on the terrace of the Türkiye İş Bankası Painting and Sculpture Museum. Following speeches by İş Sanat Director Zülal Üreten and Artistic Director Defne Turaç, the season program, announced today, promises a rich repertoire of classical music, jazz, world music, and original local projects. In her speech, Turaç emphasized İş Sanat’s commitment to accessibility and diversity in the arts and stated that they plan to present surprise concerts to audiences throughout the season. Tickets for the event will be on sale from Biletix and the İş Sanat Main Box Office starting September 29th.
Season Opener: Cello and Orchestra Meeting
The new season opens on Tuesday, November 4th, at İş Towers Hall, with cellist Pablo Ferrández and the Tekfen Philharmonic Orchestra. Ferrández, who won an award at the 15th International Tchaikovsky Competition, is described as a “new cello genius” for his superior technique and stage presence. The opening concert will feature pieces commemorating the 150th birthday of Maurice Ravel, the dance suites from Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen, and Camille Saint-Saëns’s virtuoso Cello Concerto No. 1.
Jazz Legend: Stanley Clarke
Living jazz legend and five-time Grammy-winning bassist Stanley Clarke will be on the İş Sanat stage on Friday, November 21st. Clarke, known worldwide for his work with Chick Corea’s Return to Forever, will present his technically challenging music accompanied by Cameron Graves and Jeremiah Collier.
The Modern Face of Portuguese Fado: Ana Moura
On Thursday, December 18th, Ana Moura, who grew up surrounded by fado and African music, will perform songs that capture the soul of Portugal. Moura, who experienced a turning point in her career when she crossed paths with renowned guitarist Antonio Parreria, will meet the İş Sanat audience with her touching vocals and dynamic stage performance.
New Year’s Concert: Elena Stikhina
On Tuesday, January 6th, Elena Stikhina, one of the acclaimed sopranos of the opera world, will give her New Year’s concert at the AKM Türk Telekom Opera Hall, accompanied by the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra. Stikhina, who has achieved notable success in prestigious competitions such as Operalia and Competizione dell’Opera, performed with Plácido Domingo at the İş Bankası Centennial Gala concert in 2024.
Kremerata Baltica & Lucas Debargue: February 19th, 8:30 PM – The Grammy-winning chamber orchestra will perform a wide repertoire ranging from Bach to Arvo Pärt.
Jakub Józef Orliński & Il Pomo d’Oro: March 13, 8:30 PM – Captivating works from the Italian Baroque Period will come to life with counter-tenor Orliński’s virtuoso vocals.
Gilles Apap & Camerata Zürich: April 2, 8:30 PM – A unique performance where classical and contemporary pieces meet with the spirit of improvisation.
World Music and Original Projects
Ivan “Melon” Lewis & The Cuban Swing Express: April 16 – Cuban rhythms and the excitement of jazz fusion come together.
Göksel, B’Aşka Şarkılar: January 21 – A special concert combining Turkish classical music and pop repertoire.
Cem Adrian: December 11 – On the İş Sanat stage with his unique vocal technique and compositions.
“Radio Days” with Canan Başkaya: November 27 – Anatolian and Rumelian folk songs will come to life in a nostalgic radio atmosphere.
Children and Special Events
İş Sanat’s children’s musical Pat Pat Patara, which has been highly acclaimed for two seasons, will be on stage from November 15–16. Additionally, Shining Stars concerts will offer young talents a stage opportunity starting in November, and poetry and story recitals will be available free of charge.
