40th International Ankara Music Festival Closes with Symphony Concert Honoring Legacy and Milestones

Ankara's vibrant cultural scene is set to bid farewell to the 40th International Ankara Music Festival with a grand symphony orchestra concert. This year's closing ceremony is particularly poignant, serving not only as a culmination of the festival but also as a celebration of significant milestones in Turkey's musical heritage.

The concert is dedicated to the memory of Mehmet Başman, who served as the President of the Sevda Cenap And Music Foundation for 28 years. His contributions to Ankara's cultural life and the festival itself are being honored, reflecting the foundation's enduring commitment to promoting music. Simultaneously, the event marks the 200th anniversary of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra (CSO), an institution deeply intertwined with the nation's musical development since its inception in the 19th century.

This year's festival has emphasized collaboration and cultural unity, bringing together the CSO and the State Polyphonic Choir. This partnership transcends mere musical accompaniment; it symbolizes the 40-year friendship and cooperation that has defined the festival's journey. The International Ankara Music Festival has consistently aimed to showcase the artistic capacity of the capital, aligning with the vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk for a multi-voiced music movement in Turkey.

A highlight of the evening will be the world premiere performances of new works commissioned by the CSO from contemporary Turkish composers Erberk Eryılmaz and Onur Türkmen. This commitment to fostering new compositions underscores the festival's and the CSO's dedication to supporting Turkish composers and enriching the national music repertoire. The concert will be led by Permanent Conductor Cemi’i Can Deliorman, with soloists including Marie-Pierre Langlamet, solo harpist of the Berlin Philharmonic, and soprano Görkem Ezgi Yıldırım, alongside various other accomplished musicians.