Turkish state opera and ballet institutions announce 2026-2027 seasons

State opera and ballet institutions in Turkey have announced their upcoming 2026-2027 artistic seasons, featuring a variety of premieres, tours, and educational programs.

The Samsun State Opera and Ballet (SAMDOB) will launch its season with a gala concert on September 12 at the Atatürk Cultural Center, conducted by Patrick David Murray. The upcoming season includes the premiere of Ludwig Minkus’s Don Quixote ballet in October and Puccini’s La Boheme in November. SAMDOB reported reaching 51,571 spectators during the previous season through 186 performances.

The Istanbul State Opera and Ballet (İDOB) will open its season on September 19 with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Key upcoming premieres include the modern ballet ‘Afife’ in October, the production ‘Rüzgâr Ağacı’ in late October, and the opera ‘Palto’ in February 2027. The season will also feature Puccini’s ‘Turandot’ and various productions for children, such as ‘Kayıp Oyuncak’ and ‘Küçük Prens’.