Atatürk Kültür Merkezi announces 2026–2027 art season

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has announced the 2026–2027 art season program for the Atatürk Kültür Merkezi (AKM). The upcoming season, beginning in September, features a diverse lineup of international and domestic performances spanning opera, ballet, theater, and concerts.

Key highlights include the Novaya Ballet troupe from Russia performing ‘This Is Not a Fairy Tale: The Nutcracker’ in mid-September, and the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet opening the season with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. The program also includes the production ‘Afife’, inspired by the life of Afife Jale, and Puccini’s ‘Turandot’.

AKM will serve as a central venue for the Istanbul Culture Route Festival from September 26 to October 4. Featured performers during the festival and season include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Emma Shapplin, Lang Lang, Christian McBride, and the Arab National Orchestra. Other scheduled events include the Sadri Alışık Theater and Cinema Actor Awards on September 21.