Turkish orchestras launch 2026/2027 performance seasons

The 2026/2027 orchestral season has commenced in Turkey with major performances from the İzmir Chamber Orchestra and the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra (İDSO).

Under the direction of conductor Nil Venditti, the İzmir Chamber Orchestra opened its season at Kültürpark Zeytin Sahne with a concert featuring selections of opera arias. The performance included Egyptian mezzo-soprano Gala El Hadidi and concluded with the folk song ‘İzmir’in Kavakları’, accompanied by lead violinist Deniz Toygür.

İDSO will officially launch its season on October 9 with Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki performing works by E. Grieg and S. Prokofiev under conductor Duncan Ward. The upcoming season features an extensive roster of international soloists and conductors, including Bruce Liu, Ion Marin, and Samy Rachid. The program places significant emphasis on Turkish composers, with scheduled performances of works by Ulvi Cemal Erkin, Cemal Reşit Rey, and a world premiere of a harp concerto by Turgay Erdener.