53rd Istanbul Music Festival to meet music lovers from June 11-26

Details of the festival, themed "Beyond Borders" and organized under the sponsorship of Borusan Holding with contributions from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, were announced at a promotional meeting held at the Borusan Music House.

Speaking at the meeting, İKSV Chairman of the Board Bülent Eczacıbaşı stated that the festival program has been enriched with special events suitable for Istanbul's cultural fabric and includes free weekend concerts that appeal to all age groups. Eczacıbaşı also provided information about the Young Artist Fund and the international circulation support program launched this year, in addition to programs supporting young artists such as the Aydın Gün Encouragement Award and the Women Stars of Tomorrow. "We place great importance on supporting young people in building international connections, and we will further strengthen such efforts in the coming years," he said. Eczacıbaşı expressed his gratitude to all institutions that contributed to the realization of the festival, especially the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Borusan Holding, which has been by their side since the first day of the festival.

Istanbul Music Festival Director Efruz Çakırkaya emphasized that throughout its half-century history, the festival has made significant contributions to both national and international classical music repertoires through commissioned works and support for young musicians, and has presented events that have left lasting marks on Istanbul's cultural life.

Borusan Holding Vice Chairperson Zeynep Hamedi and Borusan Holding Group President of People, Communication and Sustainability Nursel Ölmez Ateş also delivered speeches at the event.

OVER 45 ARTISTS WILL TAKE THE STAGE

The festival, which will feature orchestras and famous soloists from different parts of the world, will host performances by more than 45 artists, including Helene Grimaud, Frank Peter Zimmermann, Rafal Blechacz, Gautier Capuçon, and Alexandre Kantorow, as well as prominent ensembles such as the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Camerata Salzburg, Geneva Camerata, Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, Tekfen Philharmonic Orchestra, Plovdiv State Opera Choir, and the Slovak Philharmonic Choir.

Festival concerts will be held at various venues including the Atatürk Cultural Center, Hagia Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church, Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, French Palace, Kadıköy Municipality Süreyya Opera House, Kınalıada Christos Greek Orthodox Monastery, Church of St. Mary Draperis, Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Salon İKSV, Surp Boghos Armenian Catholic Church, Şişli Habitat Park, The Grand Tarabya, Yıldız Park, Yoğurtçu Park, and the Zorlu Performing Arts Center.

The Istanbul Music Festival will also host the world premieres of three works for which it is a co-commissioner. At the festival, the Honorary Award will be presented to opera singer and educator Prof. Mesut İktu, and the Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov.

This year, students from music and vocal departments of conservatories will again be able to watch festival concerts for free within certain quotas. In addition, the Eczacıbaşı Young Ticket project, implemented with the support of the Eczacıbaşı Group, the founding sponsor of İKSV, will continue this year.

Festival tickets can be obtained starting February 21 via "www.passo.com.tr". Detailed information and the program regarding the festival can be accessed at "www.muzik.iksv.org".