For over half a century, the Istanbul Music Festival has stood as a beacon of classical music in Türkiye, captivating audiences with its diverse repertoire and esteemed artists. This year, the festival promises yet another extraordinary experience, showcasing a rich tapestry of musical styles and cultural diversity.
Under the theme of “Roots,” this year the festival pays homage to the historical event of the population exchange between Turkey and Greece, commemorating its 100th year anniversary. This poignant theme explores the interconnected roots of the people of these lands, reflecting on shared heritage and history through the medium of music. It underscores the festival’s commitment to honoring cultural legacies and promoting artistic expression as a means of remembrance.
In addition to commemorating this significant historical milestone, the festival also celebrates the centenary of Türkiye’s diplomatic relations with Hungary and the Netherlands. Through a series of captivating performances, the festival will weave intricate narratives in music, highlighting the deep-rooted connections between these nations and Türkiye. These performances promise to be a testament to the enduring bonds forged through history and tradition.
The Istanbul Music Festival continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange and artistic excellence, fostering connections between musicians and audiences from all walks of life. As it enters its 52nd year, the festival remains steadfast in its mission to promote classical music and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Türkiye and beyond.
The festival will take place across 17 diverse venues, offering music lovers an unparalleled experience. From the iconic Atatürk Cultural Centre to the historic Panagia Greek Orthodox Church, audiences can enjoy performances in some of the city’s most exquisite settings. Other notable venues include Aya Yorgi Greek Orthodox Church, The Grand Bazaar, Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Süreyya Opera House, Naval Museum, Palais de France, Austrian Cultural Forum, Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, Lütfi Kırdar Convention and Exhibition Centre, İş Towers Hall, Four Seasons Bosphorus Atik Pasha Terrace, Babylon, Fenerbahçe Park, and Yıldız Park.
Budapest Festival Orchestra, listed among the world’s top-10 by Gramophone, and pianist Francesco Piemontesi, renowned especially for his mastery of German Classical and Romantic repertoire, join forces for a thrilling all-Brahms evening at the iconic Atatürk Cultural Centre with the support of Mercedes-Benz as the Performance Sponsor with Higher Contribution.
One of the greatest musicians of our time, Maria João Pires, returns to the festival for a legendary rendition of the Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3 and this evening, complemented with the distinguished chamber orchestra Festival Strings Lucerne, promises to be a highlight of the entire season. Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Centre is set to host the event supported by Türkiye İş Bankası as the Performance Sponsor with the Higher Contribution.
BIPO joins forces with the Hungarian National Choir and four of the most prominent singers of the younger generation to deliver a powerful program. Borusan Holding supports the concert to be held at Atatürk Cultural Centre as the Performance Sponsor with the Higher Contribution.
The Roots
The festival pays homage to the population exchange between Türkiye and Greece in its centennial with two commissioned works that remind us of the loss and grief but also of compassion and brotherhood. The world premiere of composer Dimitris Skyllas’ work will be performed by the Rezonans choir founded by conductor Burak Onur Erdem, along with Maria Deli, Tolga Akkaya, Lena Şenol and Müşfik Galip Uzun. The world premiere of Onur Türkmen’s latest work will be performed by the Nermin Kaygusuz Ensemble, of which the composer is among the founders. The concerts will take place at the Naval Museum.
The festival offers a unique journey into the musical roots of Istanbul, shaped by many different ethnic communities, religions and languages that have co-existed in the city throughout centuries and the Grand Bazaar will provide an epochal setting for this unforgettable evening. The programme will include religious and secular music by Jewish, Muslim, Greek and Armenian communities from the Ottoman era; pieces from Tanburi Isak Efendi, Dede Efendi, Petraki, Hamparsum Limonciyan and many more.
