Turkey Now, Amsterdam-Rotterdam (29 January – 21 April 2007)

Organised with the collaboration of Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and Kulsan Foundation, the Turkey Now Festival was held in Amsterdam and Rotterdam between January 29 and April 21, 2009 with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and Buitenlandse Zaken/HGÄ°S.

On 29 January, the opening of the festival started with the concert of Sezen Aksu and Metropole Orchestra conducted by Arjen Tien, which was held at the Concertgebouw’s great hall. The concert, which was attended by distinguished guests including Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen and Turkey’s ambassador in the Hague, drew the interest of Turkish and Dutch audiences as well. An audience of around 25,000 Turkish and Dutch people attended the concert which sparked huge interest among the Dutch press.

Ankara State Opera and Ballet’s work Spring Tango was performed on February 7 at the Muziekgebouw. Turkish and Dutch spectators who filled the hall admired the work which is made of three parts. All parts of the work were applauded by the audience.

A total of 4400 people gathered for two concerts Fazıl Say gave with the Rotterdam Philarmonic Orchestra led by Hans Leenders on April, 20-21 at De Doelen Hall. Also attended by Turkey’s Ambassador in the Hague, these two concerts were highly praised.

The jazz series held in De Doelen Jazz Club on February, 16 and March, 9, 10, 31 were highly acclaimed. Ayşe Tütüncü, Mercan Dede, İlhan Erşahin, Sibel Köse who took the stage as part of this concert introduced Turkish jazz to European music lovers. All the concerts were sold out.

Starring Genco Erkal, the theatre play titled End of Play was put on stage as part of the theatre play series held in De Balie theatre and was very well received by the audience.

The rock concerts held at Melkweg night club was favourable as it brought together Turkish and Dutch youth. Dutch listeners were especially interested in the Athena concert.