Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra opens 2026-2027 season

The Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra (IDSO) DenizBank Concerts officially launched the 2026-2027 season with a performance at the Atatürk Cultural Center. The opening concert featured British conductor Duncan Ward and Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki, a Leonard Bernstein Music Prize winner.

The program included Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16, performed by Lisiecki, followed by Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5, Op. 100, which was composed during World War II.

Ömer Faruk Berivanlı, General Director of Fine Arts for the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, praised the orchestra for its historical significance and its role in preserving the nation's musical memory. IDSO Director Aycan Küçüközkan emphasized the orchestra's commitment to contributing to Turkey's cultural life and bringing universal musical heritage to audiences.