The New York Philharmonic, 4 May 2013
Haliç Congress Center, Sütlüce
Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı, the founder of the Eczacıbaşı Group and the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), will be commemorated at the 20th anniversary of his passing with two exclusive concerts. "Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı Memorial Concerts", organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) under the sponsorship of Eczacıbaşı Holding, will be performed in Istanbul on 3 and 4 May by one of the oldest and best orchestras in the world, The New York Philharmonic, conducted by Alan Gilbert.
The soloist for the concert on Saturday, 4 May Emanuel Ax is the fourth artist to receive the Artist-in-Residency title in the history of The New York Philharmonic. Cited as one of the most important pianists of the world by Alan Gilbert, Emanuel Ax performs regularly with the most prominent orchestras of the world, including Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Berlin Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony. As a Grammy Award-winning artist, Emanuel Ax performed with conductors such as Simon Rattle, Mariss Jansons, John Eliot Gardiner, Vladimir Jurowski, Bernard Haitink and Colin Davis.
Since the time of its foundation in 1842, The New York Philharmonic has enjoyed a worldwide reputation with 430 concerts in 63 different countries and conducted by prominent musicians including Antonín Dvořák, Gustav Mahler, Otto Klemperer, Richard Strauss, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Arturo Toscanini, Igor Stravinsky and Aaron Copland. The current music director who has joined the long list of previous prominent conductors, including Lorin Maazel, Kurt Masur, Zubin Mehta and Leonard Bernstein that led the orchestra, is Alan Gilbert. Began his conducting career with the Cleveland Orchestra in 1995 as an assistant conductor, Gilbert later worked as the music director of Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and the Santa Fe Opera. Since the 2009-2010 season, Gilbert assumed the musical directorship of The New York Philharmonic, which he led several times as a guest conductor before.
The soloist for the concert on Saturday, 4 May Emanuel Ax is the fourth artist to receive the Artist-in-Residency title in the history of The New York Philharmonic. Cited as one of the most important pianists of the world by Alan Gilbert, Emanuel Ax performs regularly with the most prominent orchestras of the world, including Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Berlin Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony. As a Grammy Award-winning artist, Emanuel Ax performed with conductors such as Simon Rattle, Mariss Jansons, John Eliot Gardiner, Vladimir Jurowski, Bernard Haitink and Colin Davis.
THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC
3-4 May 2013, 20.30
Haliç Congress Center
Saturday, 4 May
ALAN GILBERT conductor
EMANUEL AX violin
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No.36 in C Major, KV425, “Linz”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Piano Concerto No.25 in C Major, KV503
Modest MussorgskyPictures at an Exhibition (Arr. Maurice Ravel)
Lasts 120’ inc. interval.
The New York Philharmonic, 3 May 2013
Haliç Congress Center, Sütlüce
Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı, the founder of the Eczacıbaşı Group and the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), will be commemorated at the 20th anniversary of his passing with two exclusive concerts. "Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı Memorial Concerts", organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) under the sponsorship of Eczacıbaşı Holding, will be performed in Istanbul on 3 and 4 May by one of the oldest and best orchestras in the world, The New York Philharmonic, conducted by Alan Gilbert.
The first concert by The New York Philharmonic will be the European premiere of Christopher Rouse’s new symphony titled “Prospero’s Rooms” commissioned by The New York Philharmonic and will take place at Haliç Congress Center on Friday, 3 May at 20:30. Conducted by Alan Gilbert, the orchestra will then accompany Joshua Bell in Bernstein’s “Serenade” composed for solo violin, strings, harp and percussion and conclude its programme with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6.
Since the time of its foundation in 1842, The New York Philharmonic has enjoyed a worldwide reputation with 430 concerts in 63 different countries and conducted by prominent musicians including Antonín Dvořák, Gustav Mahler, Otto Klemperer, Richard Strauss, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Arturo Toscanini, Igor Stravinsky and Aaron Copland. The current music director who has joined the long list of previous prominent conductors, including Lorin Maazel, Kurt Masur, Zubin Mehta and Leonard Bernstein that led the orchestra, is Alan Gilbert. Began his conducting career with the Cleveland Orchestra in 1995 as an assistant conductor, Gilbert later worked as the music director of Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and the Santa Fe Opera. Since the 2009-2010 season, Gilbert assumed the musical directorship of The New York Philharmonic, which he led several times as a guest conductor before.
The New York Philharmonic will feature a world famous violin virtuoso Joshua Bell, who, with his passionate interpretations, stage charisma and versatility is known as "the superstar of classical music". Both as a soloist and a conductor, doing chamber music or recording an album, Bell produces at a consistent level of perfection. Recently, he was appointed Musical Director of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Orchestra and became the first conductor to assume this position since Sir Neville Marinner founded the orchestra in 1958. In addition to several awards he received, Bell was nominated for a Grammy Award for the first recording of the West Side Story Suite and his album, which included Bernstein’s Serenade.
THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC
3-4 May 2013, 20.30
Haliç Congress Center
Friday, 3 May
ALAN GILBERT conductor
JOSHUA BELL violin
Christopher Rouse
Prospero’s Rooms (2013)*
Leonard Bernstein
Serenat (1954)
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony No.6 in B minor, Op.74, “Pathétique”
Lasts 120’ inc. interval.
* European premiere
The Orchestra of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, 7 December 2012
Haliç Congress Centre, Sütlüce
The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts hosted one of the world's greatest orchestras, The Orchestra of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino on Friday, 7 December in Haliç Congress Centre. Accompanying the world renowned piano duo Güher & Süher Pekinel, the orchestra performed under the baton of Zubin Mehta, who has been Principal Conductor of the orchestra since 1985.
The Orchestra of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino was founded in 1928 by Vittorio Gui, under the name "Stabile Orchestrale Fiorentina." In 1933, the Orchestra created what would become one of the oldest and most prestigious music festivals in Europe, after the Salzburg and the Bayreuth Festival: the “Festival del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino”. It is from this Festival that the Orchestra took its name. In 1937 Gui was replaced as Resident Conductor by Mario Rossi, thereafter by Piero Bellugi and Bruno Bartoletti.
Milestones in the Orchestra’s history include the resident conductorships of Riccardo Muti (1969-'81) and Zubin Mehta; Zubin Mehta has been Principal Conductor since 1985, and, season after season, leads important symphonic productions and highly-prestigious tours. In 2012, he is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his début in Florence. The Orchestra later established a special relationship with Myung-Whun Chung and Semyon Bychkov, who have been Principal Guest Conductors since 1987 and 1992 respectively.
The Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino enjoys a superb reputation throughout the music world, and in the course of its history has been conducted by some of the finest musicians of all times, such as Victor De Sabata, Gianandrea Gavazzeni, Tullio Serafin, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Bruno Walter, Otto Klemperer, Erich Kleiber, Dimitri Mitropoulos, Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, Claudio Abbado, Lorin Maazel, Carlo Maria Giulini, Georges Prêtre, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Carlos Kleiber, Georg Solti, Riccardo Chailly, Giuseppe Sinopoli and Seiji Ozawa.
Famous composers have also conducted their own works in world–première performances in Florence appositely commissioned by Maggio Musicale Fiorentino; they include Richard Strauss, Pietro Mascagni, Ildebrando Pizzetti, Paul Hindemith, Igor Stravinsky, Goffredo Petrassi, Luigi Dallapiccola, Krzysztof Penderecki and Luciano Berio.
India-born Zubin Mehta belongs to the last generation of those legendary conductors. There is hardly any major orchestra in the world that he has not appeared with. He has held the post of music director at the Montreal Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic and Bavarian State Opera; and he was named the music director for life of the Israel Philharmonic in 1981. Maestro Mehta is the honorary conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic, Munich Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic and Bavarian State Orchestra, besides the Maggio Musicale. He has been the president of Festival del Mediterrani in Valencia since 2006.
The twin sisters Güher & Süher Pekinel made their stage debut at the age of six, and since then have performed with almost every leading orchestra in the world from the United States to the Far East. The extensive discography of the Pekinels include Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, arranged for two pianos by the composer himself, and the award winning Take-Bach, a jazz project with Jacques Loussier. Their latest release, a recording of Bach’s concertos for two and three pianos as well as works of Brahms and Saint-Säens were chosen "Best Album of the Week and of the Month" by The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian. Polishing their internationally acclaimed career everyday with another achievement, Güher and Süher Pekinel are widely regarded as the finest duo-pianist team of our time.
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, 10 November 2012
Haliç Congress Centre, Sütlüce
The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts hosted one of the world's greatest orchestras, The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra within the framework of the 400th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Netherlands.
Acting as one of the main cultural ambassadors for the Netherlands, The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra consists of 120 virtuosos who perform together at the highest level. The Istanbul concert of the world-renowned orchestra was concucted by an American conductor, Lorin Maazel, who has been the chief conductor of the Munich Philharmohic since 2012/2013 season.
The Berliner Philharmoniker, 27 September 2012
Haliç Congress Centre, Sütlüce
The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts hosted one of the world's greatest orchestras, The Berliner Philharmoniker on Thursday, 27 September in Halic Congress Centre. Accompanying world acclaimed Turkish soloists, cellist Efe Baltacıgil and double bassist Fora Baltacıgil, the ensemble performed under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, who has been chief conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker and artistic director of the Berlin Philharmonie since 2002.
The Berliner Philharmoniker, founded in 1882 as a self-governing body, has long been esteemed as one of the world’s greatest orchestras. In 2007, it celebrated the 125th anniversary of its founding with a multitude of activities.
Hans von Bülow, Arthur Nikisch and Wilhelm Furtwängler were the principal conductors who left their distinctive mark in the Berliner Philharmoniker’s early decades. In 1955 Herbert von Karajan became the orchestra’s artistic director and, in the ensuing years, worked with the musicians to develop a unique tonal quality and performing style that made the Berliner Philharmoniker famous all over the world. Claudio Abbado, chief conductor from 1989 to 2002, devised a new type of programming, with increased emphasis on contemporary works, expanded chamber recital series and operas in concert performance. When Sir Simon Rattle took the orchestra’s helm in September 2002, the Education programme was initiated to ensure that the Berliner Philharmoniker reaches a wider and, especially, younger audience. In November 2007, the orchestra and its artistic director Sir Simon Rattle were appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, the first artistic ensemble ever to represent the international children’s organization.
Stevie Wonder, 14 September 2012
KüçükÇiftlik Park, Maçka
One of the world’s most important figures of popular music, Stevie Wonder visited Istanbul on Friday, September 14 for his very first concert here.The wonderful concert was followed by approx. 9.000 people.
One of the biggest names in music history, Stevie Wonder has been a highly influential figure with his amazing vocals, unique style and compositions. Singer-songwriter, composer and producer Stevie Wonder started his career in 1963 at the age of 13. He released his very first album Recorded Live: The 12 Year Old Genius, and with his song “Fingertips, Part 2”, Stevie Wonder became the youngest artist in the history who took #1 position in the music charts. Subsequent Top 10 singles included "I Was Made to Love Her;" "For Once in My Life;" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours." Released in the fall of 1972, the album, Talking Book, featured the #1 hits "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and "Superstition" -- one of the most famous examples of the sound of the clavinet.
The groundbreaking double album, Songs in the Key of Life, was released in 1976, and remains one of the most recognizable and accomplished albums in pop music history. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts, and among the #1 singles, was “Sir Duke,” a song dedicated to jazz great, Duke Ellington. The album stayed at #1 for 14 weeks.
With soaring album sales, high-profile collaborations, charity participation, political impact, and television appearances, Wonder has reached an unparalleled level of fame. His Platinum album, Hotter than July, released in 1980, included "Happy Birthday" which became the rallying song of Stevie’s efforts, that helped make Martin Luther King’s birthday a national holiday. He has received a Golden Globe and an Academy Award in 1984, for the song, “I just Called To Say I Love You” from the movie, The Woman In Red.
In 1999, Stevie became the youngest recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the NAACP Hall of Fame, and the Apollo theater Hall of Fame. Wonder has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from BET, the Thelonious Monk Institute and the National Civil Rights Museum, just to name a few. In 2010, Stevie was named into France’s prestigious National Order of Arts and Letters--an impressive addition to his list of other high profile honors.
Since the beginning of his career Stevie Wonder released very important and classic records such as Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Fulfillingness' First Finale, Innervisions as well as the groundbreaking album Songs in the Key of Life and wrote unforgettable songs such as, "For Once in My Life", "You Are the Sunshine of My Life", "Superstition", “Sir Duke”, "Happy Birthday", “I just Called To Say I Love You”, and “Isn’t She Lovely?”.
A multi-instrumentalist, Stevie plays the piano, keyboards, various synthesizers, harmonica, drums, percussion, and had a significant role in bringing synthesizers to the forefront of popular music. He used new texture and sounds, and encouraged Ray Kurzweil to create a synthesizer that would allow one to play orchestral sounds polyphonically.
Wonder has consistently performed at major events over the years including the Closing Ceremonies at the 1996 Summer Olympics, Halftime at Super Bowl XXXII, and the Lincoln Memorial Celebration in honor of the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. In February, 2009, Stevie was named the recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, and he performed his Library of Congress musical commission, “Sketches Of A Life;” he joins a very select group of eminent composers who have received Library commissions, ranging from Aaron Copeland and Leonard Bernstein to Paquito D’Rivera.
As a live performance tour de force, Stevie continues to astound audiences around the world. In 2007 he embarked on his first U.S. concert tour in over ten years, dedicated to his mother, which garnered rave reviews. In testament to the unimpeachable legacy of this international music icon, in 2010, a special release CD, Love Harmony & Eternity debuted at #1 on Japan’s International chart and Stevie shattered all records for the Olympic Park Arena in Seoul, Korea, selling out in under 30 minutes.
Winner of 25 Grammies including the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Stevie Wonder continues to be an inspiration for numerous musicians around the world, of various genres ranging from jazz to pop.
Stevie Wonder’s first concert in Istanbul was realized on Friday, 14 September in Küçükçiftlik Park, as part of the “Garanti Caz Yeşili” (Garanti Jazz Green) series of Garanti Bank, who has been supporting jazz and related genres for the last 15 years. The “Garanti Caz Yeşili” (Garanti Jazz Green) series were initiated in 1998 to support the Istanbul Jazz Festival, and have helped spreading the music since then.
Feist, 25 August 2012
KüçükÇiftlik Park
Canadian singer-songwriter Feist performed her first-ever Istanbul concert on Saturday, 25 August in Maçka Küçükçiftlik Park.
With her smooth and silky voice, Feist has not only won her fans’ hearts but also four Grammy nominations and 6 Juno awards. After receiving the Shortlist Music Prize with The Reminder, Feist released her album Metals in 2011. In addition to her hits such as “1234,” “Inside Out,” “Mushaboom,” “I Feel It All,” “The Limit to Your Love,” and “My Moon My Man”, Feist is also renowned for her collaborations with Kings of Convenience, Beck, and Wilco. Also a member of the art-rock collective Broken Social Scene, Feist is regarded as one of the most talented musicians from Canada.
La Fura dels Baus, 21-22 June 2012
Camialtı Tersanesi, Haliç
“La Fura is not to be watched sitting in the stands or from the ground or from a real or imaginary chair. If anyone was sitting, get up. This is not to see, but for living.”
Having staged more than 3000 performances in 250 cities to an audience of over three million people, La Fura dels Baus took Istanbulites on a journey stretching from the past to the future on June 21 and 22, two nights in a row. The company’s new performance Istanbul, Istanbul, which is commissioned by İKSV, created an extraordinary feast for Istanbulites.
Started in 1979 as a street theatre company, La Fura dels Baus diversified its creative labour in various fields including open-air performances, digital theatre, street theatre and opera. Blurring the boundaries between the audience and the actor, the Catalan company’s original and remarkable performances developed in accordance with the characteristics of the space have a large group of followers from around the world. Gaining cult status with their play Accions, La Fura del Baus prepared the opening ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games seen live by 500 million viewers. La Fura Del Baus’ open-air performance put on stage to celebrate the millennium brought together 20,000 people in Barcelona. Their interpretation of La Divina Comédia seen by 35,000 people in Florence and their performance La Navaja en el Ojo staged at the opening of the Valencia Biennial have been etched on the memories of their audiences. The company participated to the Salzburg Festival with their opera performance and also had their works staged in houses such as La Scala, Sydney, Bochum, Paris, Rome and Tokyo Opera Houses and Bolshoi Theatre. Achieving great success in Turkey with their play F@ust Version 3.0 performed in the 11th Istanbul Theatre, La Fure dels Baus has a unique way of combining music and movement in all of its plays and operas. The company was awarded Golden Méliès 2003 for the best fantastical film with their film Fausto 5.0 and uses the Internet in their performances for which they coined the term “digital theatre.”
Nederlands Dans Theater II, 15 June 2012
Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage
The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts hosted two performances by renowned contemporary dance company Nederlands Dans Theater, on the occasion of the celebrations of 400 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Turkey.
Nederlands Dans Theater II was founded in 1978. In its more than 25 years of existence, it has developed into a top quality, internationally recognized company performing in theaters all over the world, including Spain, USA, France, Germany, South Korea, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
The repertoire of Nederlands Dans Theater II is quite varied, working with established choreographers such as Jirí Kylián, Hans van Manen, Ohad Naharin, Paul Lightfoot/Sol León and Johan Inger, but also--more importantly--working with young and upcoming choreographers. Especially aiming to interest and excite young audiences for today's dance, Nederlands Dans Theater II performed three pieces during their performances in Istanbul: “Lieder eines Fahrenden Gesellen” by Jirí Kylián, “Shutters Shut” by Paul Lightfoot & Sol León, and “Cacti” by Alexander Ekman.
Paul Anka, 14 November 2011
Haliç Congress Centre, Sütlüce
Acclaimed world-wide since the 1960s with his concerts all around the world, legendary musician Paul Anka perfomed for his fans in Istanbul in a special concert held on 14 November, 2011 by Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts under the sponsorship of ING Private Banking.
Accompanied by his 13-person orchestra, Paul Anka performed his hit songs without leaving the stage for two hours. The crowd cheered for his classics such as "Diana", “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and “Lonely Boy.”
The artist also performed his own songs such as “My Way” written for Frank Sinatra and “She’s a Lady” composed for Tom Jones, along with The Everly Brothers classic “Bye Bye Love” and the theme song of Martin Scorsese’s famous film New York, New York which is best remembered for Liza Minelli’s rendition.
With the accompaniment of Michael Jackson’s voice, Paul Anka also sang the song “This is It,” a song that he wrote together with Jackson in 1983 but was released after Jackson’s death in 2009.
With his album sales exceeding 80 million all around the world and 60 platinum records, musical legend Paul Anka’s concert was attended by almost 3,000 people in Istanbul.
Richard III, 5-9 October 2011
Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage
Istanbul Theatre Festival & Istanbul Municipal Theatres hosted a special co-production in October sponsored by Vodafone RED. Directed by Sam Mendes and featuring Kevin Spacey in the title role, Richard III was in Istanbul with five special performances at Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage.
Constituting the third pillar of the Bridge Project realised by the partnership of Old Vic, BAM & Neal Street, Richard III brought together renowned British and American artists under the directorship of Sam Mendes. Portraying Richard III, Kevin Spacey accompanied in the play by formidable actors and actresses such as Maureen Anderman, Haydn Gwynne, Chuk Iwuji, Gemma Jones and Chandler Williams.
Richard III's world premiere took place on June 29 at the Old Vic Theatre in London, the play was highly praised by the British press. Especially Kevin Spacey’s performance in the title role got thumbs up from critics. After the performances in Athens, Hong Kong and Spain, Richard III came to Istanbul for five special performances. The tickets were sold out in less than two days and the public demand for tickets resulted in an additional performance on October 8.
Venezuela Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, 8-9 August, 2011
Haliç Congress Centre, Sütlüce
Founder of the inspirational "El Sistema", José Antonio Abreu, and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, under the baton of world-renowned Gustavo Duadamel was in Istanbul in August, for a series of events.
Gustavo Dudamel, young and talented conductor who was educated in El Sistema, started his career by playing violin in El Sistema. When he was 23, he drew public attention by winning the International Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition. He was accepted as one of the best conductors in the world, with his amazing energy.
Before the concerts that took place on 8 and 9 of August in Haliç Congress Center, the Caracas Brass Ensemble and Atalaya Percussion Ensemble, both formed of the members of the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, performed free concerts in Galata Square. The non governmental organizations that are similar to El Sistema in educating kids and teenagers with music, has performed in these concerts as well. There was also a free screening of the movie To Play and To Fight for those who were interested in understanding the aspects of El Sistema. In addition to the concerts, José Antonio Abreu, had a debate with the participation of Yeliz Yalın Baki (Music For Peace), Cihat Aşkın (CAKA), Süher Pekinel (Orff-Schulwerk Project) and Feyzi Erçin (Member of Istanbul Music Festival Advisory Comitee) about how to launch a similar system in Turkey.
Before the first concert of Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela which was held in August 8, the chairman of IKSV, Bulent Eczacıbaşı, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to José Antonio Abreu. Later on, Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra performed Hamlet: Fantasy Overture after Shakespeare, in F minor, Op.67, Romeo and Juliet: Fantasy Overture after Shakespeare, The Tempest: Symphonic Fantasy after Shakespeare, in F minor, Op.18, Francesca da Rimini: Symphonic Fantasy after Dante, Op.32 from Tchaikovsky. Orchestra performed Daphnis ve Chloé from Ravel, Santa Cruz de Pacairigua from Castellano, Symphony, No.2, "Sinfonia India" from Chávez, Firebird Suite (1919) from Stravinsky on August 9.
IKSV, thanks to the donations of music lovers, hosted children from Istanbul in the concert of Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela for two days. Childrens from various non-govermental organizations had the opportunity to watch this amazing concerts.
Gomidas, 16 December 2010
Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar Convention and Exhibition Centre
A pioneer in Armenian music, composer, musicologist and conductor Gomidas, who has, along with Armenian folk songs, Turkish and Kurdish folk music compilations, was commemorated with his songs in the 75th year of his death with the “Respect to Gomidas: Songs from This Land” concert. Gomidas’ songs were performed in the concert, which was realised by Anadolu Kultur and Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts with the support of Kalan Music, within the scope of Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture’s Istanbulahay projects.
In the concert held in Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar Convention and Exhibition Centre, three opera singers, Ari Edirne, Sevan Şencan and Kevork Tavityan Gomidas, along with pianist Şahan Arzruni performed Gomidas’ works. Furthermore, the leading choruses of the Armenian community in Turkey including Karasun Mangants, Lusavoriç, Sahakyan, Surp Takavor and Vartanants, took the stage one by one with their groups of 40 people and performed Gomidas’ choral pieces. Aynur, Sevval Sam, Bogazici Performance Arts Ensemble and Aşkın Ensemble enriched the concert with their renditions.
Having a preeminent role in Anatolian folk music studies, Gomidas received a religious education, as well as classical music education in Berlin. A priest (Vartabed) as well, Gomidas modernized and transcribed Armenian Church music into Western musical notation.
U2, 6 September 2010
Ataturk Olympic Stadium
After the year-long waiting of the fans, the U2 360° Tour concert was held on Monday evening, September 6 at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium. The Istanbul leg of the U2 360° European Tour organized by Blackberry and sponsored by Live Nation, was held in collaboration with Pozitif and İKSV, and with the contribution of the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency. Northern Irish band Snow Patrol took the stage before the concert that was held with the media sponsorship of NTV and Hürriyet Daily.
Snow Petrol, which has been nominated for Brit Awards for several times and sold over 10 million albums in total, took the stage as the headliner in one of the most prominent and important rock festivals of the world. Because of its strong support to local music, the band gained the respect of many famous musicians such as Bono and Michael Stipe, and was also admired by the audience before the U2 concert.
Following Snow Patrol’s performance, U2, one of the greatest rock bands of the world that has been long-awaited by fans took the stage. Throughout their career of more than 30 years, the Irish band had loyal fans in various places all over world with their album sales reaching 145 million and with 22 awards, holds the record for most Grammys won by a band.
The production of the Istanbul concert, the 10th stop of the 360° European Tour, is considered as the biggest concert production ever made. In the area where 600 people work for setting up the stage, a 360° stage was created in order to ensure the best view for all the audience. Specially designed by Willie Williams and aimed at creating physical proximity to the audience, the stage was accompanied by a massive cylindrical video system of interlocking LED panels. The U2 Istanbul that gave music lovers a visual feast was one of the most important events of the year.
Turkey-Armenia Youth Symphony Orchestra, 16 July 2010
Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall
Realised with the collaboration of İKSV, Anadolu Kultur and Bosphorus University, Turkey-Armenia Youth Symphony led by the conductors Nvart Andreassian and Cem Mansur performed to the audience on Friday evening, July 16 at Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall.
The concert was held with the contribution of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and with the support of the Istanbul 2010 European Cultural Capital Agency. During the concert, the Youth Symphony Orchestra formed by young Turkish and Armenian musicians performed works of composers among which those from both countries were also present. Beethoven’s Egmont Overture was followed by Ulvi Cemal Erkin’s Violin Concerto and 18-year-old young violinist Hande Küden was the soloist on stage. On the second part of the concert, young violinist Hrayr Karapetyan played Aram Haçaturyan’s Violin Concerto as the soloist. Afterwards, the orchestra led by Cem Mansur ve Nvart Andressian also performed Works from Bizet and Bedrich Smetana.
Turkey-Armenian Youth Symphony Orchestra was realised with the cooperation of Istanbul-born orchestra conductor Nvart Andreassian and conductor Cem Mansur. The auditions in Armenia were conducted by Nvart Andreassian with the support of Cadence Music and in Turkey by Cem Mansur in conservatories. To form the orchestra, the conductors listened to hundreds of musicians from conservatories, and chose 65 talented Turkish and Armenian musicians aged between 18 and 23 depending on the individual characteristics and their musical quality.
Born in Istanbul, Nvart Andressian earned the appreciation of composers and her colleagues from all around the world throughout her career of 40 years as an orchestra conductor. As an expert in French music interpretation, Nvart Andressian acted as the conductor of Contemporary French Music Band “Polychromie” and as the art director of the “Polychromie” Contemporary Art Festival for 20 years in France. Andressian acted as the orchestra and choir conductor in National Lille Conservatory, has taught about that field and also acted as Music Director of Armenian State Opera and Tianjin Symphony Orchestra in China. Since 2005, Andressian teaches in Moscow Tchaïkovski State Conservatory.
The founding conductor of the Turkish National Youth Symphony Orchestra, Cem Mansur received his music education at City University London in Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he received Ricordi Conducting Award, and later in Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute, where he studied under Leonard Bernstein. Mansur acted as the conductor of Istanbul State Opera between 1981 and 1989, has performed in concerts with many soloists and orchestras of worldwide fame; acted as the Primary Conductor of Oxford City Orchestra between 1989 and 1997. In 1998, he was appointed as the permanent conductor of Akbank Chambre Orchestra. Mansur, who has led the interracial youth orchestra and festival in South Africa in 2007 and 2008, is the honorary president of the Ipswich Choral Society, the second oldest choir in England.
George Dalaras, 26 June 2010
Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre
George Dalaras, one of the most important music ambassadors of Greece, met with his Istanbulite fans on Saturday, June 26 at Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre. Zulfu Livaneli was the honorary guest of the Dalaras concert organized by IKSV.
Music lovers showed great interest to George Dalaras’ Istanbul concert which was part of “The Encore Tour” organised on the occasion of the 25th year of his first European Tour. Around 5,000 music lovers attended the concert whose tickets were sold out.
Almost all the albums of George Dalaras, who has 65 albums and participated in over 50 recordings aside from his solo albums, received gold and platinum record awards for their successful sales. Dalaras has created a fan base not only in Greece but all around the world in over 40 years with the songs he performs in a smooth and touching voice, and blends traditional Greek music with blues, rock, Latin, classical, and folk. Dalaras, who is known not only for his voice and music, but also for his sensitivity to social issues, was appointed as a "Good Will Ambassador" by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in 2006.
The Dalaras concert greatly enjoyed by Istanbulite music lovers was one of the most important concerts of the summer of 2010.
Harry Connick Jr.
18 May 2010, Harbiye Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Centre
Winner of three Grammy awards, famous singer, pianist, composer and actor Harry Connick Jr. came to Istanbul with the sponsorship of ING Private Banking. The artist who gave a concert on Tuesday, May 18 at the Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Centre in Harbiye, met with his Istanbulite fans for the first time.
Istanbulites have shown great interest to Harry Connick Jr., also known as the heir apparent to Frank Sinatra. All the tickets of the concert were sold out.
Harry Connick Jr., realised albums with various styles ranging from traditional music to pop, instrumental to jazz and funk to blues, and became an internationally known figure with the soundtrack of When Harry Met Sally produced in 1989. With this soundtrack album, he won the Grammy award for “Best Jazz Male Vocal” and won his second Grammy in 1990 with his big-band album of his original songs titled We Are in Love. Harry Connick Jr, won his third Grammy with his traditional pop-jazz album Songs/Heard, realised in 2001. His 24th album Only You realised in 2004 has sold over 25 million copies all over the world, thus become a record holder within jazz albums.
Harry Connick Jr., who is highly appreciated with his films and acting, was also admired by Istanbulite music lovers.
Encouragement Concert with Gurer Aykal, 15 May 2010
Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall
Led by conductor Gurer Aykal, Istanbul Sinfoniette gave a concert on Saturday evening, May 15 at 8 PM at the Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall within the scope of the “Encouragement Concert Series” realised with the leadership of Gurer Aykal. The concert was organised within the framework of 9 May Europe Day Activities held under the auspices of Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis. With these concerts, people who have different professional backgrounds and an amateur interest in music had the opportunity to share the same stage with professional musicians.
Prof. Kemal Inan served as the Chairman for the Electrical Engineering Department of METU, and is also a member of TUBITAK’s Science Council and the founding dean of Sabanci University’s Engineering and Natural Sciences Faculty. In 2004, with Aida Boydag, Prof.Kemal Inan resumed his violin playing which he had left during the 1960s. Aida Boydag has a master’s degree on violin performance from MIAM (Centre for Advanced Studies in Music) and is still a member of the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra and the CRR Symphonic Orchestra.
Leonard Cohen, 5-6 August 2009
Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre
Canadian poet-singer, songwriter and musician Leonard Cohen met with music lovers on August 5-6, 2009 with the collaboration of IKSV and BKM. Cohen came to Turkey as part of his 2009 World Tour and gave a 3-hour musical feast to his Istanbulite fans at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre.
Around 5,000 people participated to the concert in which Cohen, who took the stage in Istanbul for the first time in his career of over 40 years, met with his fans. Cohen’s classical songs “Dance Me To The End Of Love”, “Famous Blue Raincoat”, “Suzanne”, “Hallelujah So Long”, “Marianne”, “I’m Your Man”, “First We Take Manhattan” were met with great enthusiasm by fans.
The first European leg of Leonard Cohen’s 2009 European tour, which he started in April in Canada, was held in Cologne, Germany. Before his Istanbul concerts, the artist gave concerts two days in a row in Germany, Belgium, France, the UK, Norway, Ireland, Portugal and Italy. Leonard Cohen’s 2009 World Tour continued with France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Serbia, Romania and Spain concerts and ended with the Barcelona concert on September 21.
Cohen set a record by having 40 concerts in 34 different cities of 16 European countries and gave a concert that will long last in the memories of his Istanbulite fans.
The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness, 31 July 2009
Rumeli Hisarı
The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness, brought together on the same stage acclaimed star of the world cinema Jeanne Moreau, successful Turkish players Cüneyt Türel and Sedef Ecer, and Sema with her delicate voice. The special project of the International Istanbul Theatre Festival interpreted by world-renowned film director Amos Gitai was put on stage on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 at Rumeli Hisarı.
In a joint project of IKSV and the Istanbul 2010 European Cultural Capital Agency, The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness was performed in the fascinating atmosphere of Rumeli Hisari. With her impressive voice, Jeanne Moreau played the leading role and was accompanied by Cuneyt Turel, one of the preeminent artists of the Turkish theatre, who played the Roman Empire Titus and delivered a powerful performance.
Along with Cüneyt Türel, Sedef Ecer who won an award in France with her play Eşikte in 2008, also played an important role in the theatrical play that was put on stage at Rumeli Hisari with the special permission of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Sema, who is also known as the “woman with the voice of a gramophone record, ” took part with her delicate voice in The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness in which players from France, the USA, Spain, Israel And Palestine also performed.
With his anti-war films, Amos Gitai is known for his stance against policies pursued in the territories where he lives. For the first time, Gitai came together on a theatre stage with Jeanne Moreu with whom he worked in films for many years. In the play, Jeanne Moreau, with the role of the narrator Josephus Flavius and the regular actor of Amos Gitai films, Jerome Koenig, with the role of Emperor Vespasian met with the Istanbul audience. During the whole play, Jeanne Moreau described war’s terrifying aspects with her heart-touching voice and put into words the destiny of the peoples and territories of the Middle East. The play, which also contains excerpts from writers such as Rainer Maria Rilke and Oscar Wilde, was adapted by Amos Gitai from the Dead Sea Scrolls and Josephus Flavius’s text that narrates the conquest of Jerusalem by the Romans in the 1st century AD.
Santana, 6 July 2009
Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena
Carlos Santana, one of the major representatives of Latin rock style was back in Istanbul 20 years later with the sponsorship of Wings. Organized by İKSV, the Santana concert was held on Monday, July 6 at Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena.
Around 13,000 people gathered for the concert of Carlos Santana, one of the major representatives of Latin-rock style, who has sold over 90 million albums and won 13 Grammy awards, along with numerous gold vinyl and music awards throughout his music career of more than 50 years.
Carlos Santana, one of the greatest music legends of the world, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. America’s famous music magazine Rolling Stone named and ranked Santana high in its “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” Santana started to play guitar at the age of eight. With his album Supernatural released in 1999, Santana again proved himself as one of the most important faces of the rock world. In its release year, the album won 9 Grammy awards including “Album of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and “Best Rock Performance” and made Grammy’s history by holding the record for most Grammys won by an album.
Carlos Santana, who had last come to Istanbul in 1990 as part of the 18th International Istanbul Festival gave one of the most important concerts of the summer after 20 years.
KODO, 15 June 2009
Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre
World-renown Japanese drumming troupe KODO met with Istanbulite music lovers in a concert organized by İKSV. The band performed two shows on Monday, June 15 and on Tuesday, June 16 at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre with the media sponsorship of e2 and Radio Voyage 107.4.
KODO came to Istanbul with its team of 25 people and their new show Ekkyo: Trans-border which was performed outside of Japan for the first time, was highly appreciated and widely acclaimed.
Having a name that means both “heartbeat” and also “children of the drum,” KODO troupe have given over 3 thousand performances in 44 countries since 1981.
KODO, which came to Istanbul in 1998 for the 5. International Jazz Festival, met again with their fans after 11 years.
Loreena Mckennitt, 13 June 2009
Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre
Loreena McKennitt, legendary singer of Celtic music, was again in Istanbul after a long wait and met with her fans as part of her world tour. The concert, organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts in cooperation with Pasion Turca was held on Saturday evening, June 13 at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre. The concert was attended by around 5,000 music lovers and was highly praised.
Canadian singer/composer Loreena McKennitt, who has sold around 15 million albums in 20 years with her eclectic Celtic music style, has won gold, platinum and multi-platinum sales awards in fifteen countries across four continents and is among the best selling artists not only in North and South America, but also in Europe and Australia. Described as a “musical travel writer,” Loreena McKennitt also gave her first TRNC concert as part of her tour following her visit to our country which she had last visited 13 years ago as part of the Istanbul Jazz Festival.
The artist performed songs from her studio album An Ancient Muse, released in 2006 and nominated to Grammys and also performed the song “Sacred Shabbat,” which was based on a famous song titled “Kâtibim (Üsküdar’a giderken),” as well as the song “The Gates of Istanbul” which stands out with its use of oud and violin. With these songs, the artist took the audience on a journey into the sounds of Istanbul and Turkish music and delivered a memorable night to music lovers.
S.O.S. Istanbul, 4 September 2008
Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena
S.O.S. Istanbul organized with the collaboration of İKSV and Pozitif and sponsored by Virgin Radio, was held on the 4th of September, 2008. At the concert, Ayyuka, Spiritualized from the UK and Mor ve Otesi took the stage in turn. The star of the event was R.E.M having their first concert in Turkey as part of the European tour of their new album Accelerate, long-awaited by fans.
Moreover, as part of S.O.S. Istanbul, the leading NGO’s of the country including CEKUL, ACEV, TEMA, TEGV, TOG, Amnesty International, Greenpeace, CYDD and Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency have announced their various projects to Istanbulites through their booths put up in the venue.
With alternative voices of rock music and non-governmental organizations, S.O.S Istanbul created a platform calling Istanbulites for change and was one the most important and significant events of 2008.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, 17-18-19 September 2008
Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Convention Centre
As part of its 50th Anniversary Tour, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the best-known dance groups of modern dance, came to Istanbul for three special performances with the sponsorship of HSBC. The shows organized by IKSV on September 17, 18 and 19 were held at Lutfi Kirdar Congress and Convention Centre.
Istanbulite art lovers has shown great interest to the dance group which was formed by a group of African-American modern dancers under the leadership of Alvin Ailey and has changed the perception of American dance starting with their first performance. Up until now, the group has performed to 21 million people in 71 countries.
Bringing together classical ballet, modern, jazz and ethnic dance in his choreographies, Alvin Ailey, created more than 79 choreographies until the end of his life in 1989 since his first choreography “Blue Suite” that was put on stage in New York in 1958. Based on his own personal biography, Alvin Ailey created his choreography “Revelations” in which he brought together modern dance and gospels. When it was first produced in 1960 the choreography became very popular, and since then it has been put on stage every year and for about 300 times. Alvin Ailey quit dancing in 1965 and since that time, he has only focused to his choreography and managing his troupe. He founded Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and with Pearl Land, American Dance Center in Manhattan in order to give everyone access to dance education. In 1982 he received a United Nations Peace Medal. After the death of Alvin Ailey in 1989, choreographer Judith Jamison was named as the artistic director of the group and since then, the associate artistic director is Masazumi Chaya.
The group, which came to Turkey only in 1977 for the 5. Istanbul Festival, is widely-known as one of the most highly appreciated international cultural ambassadors of the USA.
Béjart Ballet, 15-16-17 June 2007
Atatürk Cultural Centre
Maurice Béjart, one of the world-renown choreographers, and his troupe Béjart Ballet came to Istanbul with the sponsorship of HSBC Private Bank in order to perform three special performances as part of the International Year of Rumi 2007. With the media sponsorship of NTV and Radikal, Béjart Ballet performed on June 15,16 and 17 at the Ataturk Cultural Centre as part of IKSV’s 35. Anniversary celebrations.
The choreography titled Rumi:Prayer and Dance was specially designed by Maurice Béjart for the International Year of Rumi 2007 and had its world premiere in Istanbul.
Throughout his art career, which he started as a dancer and continued as a choreographer, Maurice Béjart has choreographed more than 250 works. Maurice Béjar received his classical dance education from prominent teachers such as Madame Egorova, Madame Rousanne and Léo Staats, and later had choreography training in London. He was widely acclaimed as a choreograph with The Rite of Spring staged in 1959 for Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie. Maurice Béjart, who also staged theatre plays and operas, directed feature films as well. In his professional career of more than 60 years Maurice Béjart won numerous awards including Theatre des Nations Choreography Grand Prize, Praemium Imperiale Award from the Japanese Art Association and Kyoto Prize.
Béjart Ballet came to Istanbul in 1988 as part of the 16. International Istanbul Music Festival and was highly appreciated by the Istanbul audience for the works they performed.
Daniel Barenboim East-West Divan Orchestra
16 August 2006, Hagia Eirene Museum
Led by world-renown pianist-conductor Daniel Barenboim, the East-West Divan Orchestra gave a concert to their Istanbulite fans on August 16, 2006 at Hagia Eirene. The concert is organised by IKSV with the sponsorship of the Turkish Jewish Community and with the media sponsorship of CNNTurk and Milliyet Daily.
The orchestra consisting of 110 young musicians, aged between 14-25, from 17 different countries including Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Spain, the Netherlands and Israel, met with Istanbulite classic music lovers for the first time.
The East-West Divan Orchestra was established in 1999 by Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim, two important names of the literary and music world, with the aim of strengthening the solidarity between cultures by bringing together young musicians from the Middle East. The orchestra has a large repertoire ranging from chamber to symphonic music and their concerts at the Victoria Hall in 2004 and the Ramallah Cultural Centre in Palestine in 2005 were internationally acclaimed.
The first Istanbul concert of the East-West Divan Orchestra broadcasted on CNNTurk had a remarkable impact.
Battuta, The Zingaro Theatre 24-25 May 2006
S International Equestrian Center
Organized by the Istanbul Foundation of Culture and Arts, and sponsored by Total, Jockey Club of Turkey and Arkas, The Zingaro Theatre’s show Battuta was held on the 24th and 25th of May, 2006. The show hosted by S International Equestrian Center met with the Istanbul audience.
Theatre Zingaro’s shows were presented as part of the “French Spring” supported by the French Government and as the Special Show of the 4th International Theatre Olympics and were held with the media sponsorship of Kanal D and Milliyet Daily and with the support of the French Cultural Centre (Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir), AFAA and Air France. Renault was responsible for the transport of the Zingaro Theatre.
With breathtaking dancers on horseback accompanied by energetic Roma tunes, Battuta show tells a story that oscillates between dream and reality. 16 talented dancers, a Roma band of 15 musicians and 36 specially trained horses participated in this show. The Zingaro Theatre whose every show is highly appreciated and acclaimed mesmerized the audience with its last show held on Thursday, May 25.
Nefes: Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch “Istanbul Project”, 29-31 May, 1-2 June 2003
AKM Grand Hall
A special project of the International Istanbul Theatre Festival, Nefes, a co-production of Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch was held at the AKM Grand Hall on May 29-30-31 and June 1. An additional performance was held on June 2 due to the keen interest shown for Pina Bausch Istanbul Project by the Istanbulite audience. Tanztheater Wuppertal - Pina Bausch, which has introduced the concept of “dance theatre” to modern dance literature and became a leading influence in this field, provided an evening of memorable moments for more than 6,000 art lovers.
Tanztheater Wuppertal - Pina Bausch was the guest of the International Istanbul Theatre Festival in 1998 with The Window Washer designed for Hong Kong, and of the 12. International Istanbul Theatre Festival in 2000 with Masurca Fogo this time based on Lisbon. The company mesmerized the audience with both of these performances.
