Istanbul Gears Up for a Week of Art, Music, and Theater

Istanbul is set to immerse art lovers in a vibrant cultural scene this week, offering a diverse program spanning exhibitions, theater, concerts, and opera.

The 33rd Istanbul Jazz Festival, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), will feature Grammy-winning Pakistani-American musician Arooj Aftab. She is scheduled to perform on July 3 at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) Theater Hall, blending jazz, minimalism, South Asian musical traditions, and avant-garde pop.

Theater enthusiasts can catch "Sevgili Arsız Ölüm Dirmit" at Moda Sahnesi on July 1. Meanwhile, the Japanese metal band Babymetal will bring their unique fusion of J-pop and heavy metal to Lifepark on July 1, promising a high-energy performance with elaborate choreography.

Music lovers also have the chance to see Gipsy Kings by Andre Reyes perform hits like "Bamboleo" and "Volare" during their "Viva El Arte" tour at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater on July 4. American metal band Trivium will also perform at Maximum Uniq Open-Air, supported by Norway's Chontaraz and Italy's Lunarsea.

Electronic music icon Moby is set to perform today at the Turkcell Stage as part of Zorlu PSM's "PSM Loves Summer" concert series. Alternative rock band Garbage will take the stage on July 3 at Zorlu PSM Turkcell Stage as part of their "Let All That We Imagine Be The Light" tour.

Other notable musical acts include Emre Altuğ today, Marcus Miller tomorrow, Thee Sacred Souls on July 1, Robert Plant & Saving Grace on July 2, and Gipsy Kings by Andre Reyes on July 4, all at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater.

In the realm of visual arts, the Sakıp Sabancı Museum is showcasing "Yoko Ono: Inner Voice and Inner Structure," featuring approximately 70 works from Ono's prolific career. Istanbul Modern presents several exhibitions, including "Semiha Berksoy: Aria of All Colors," "Panorama: Dreams and Places," "Floating Islands," and "Renzo Piano: Spirit of Place."

Painter Cemal Toy's exhibition "Water, Paper, Paint" is on display at Black Light Gallery in Karaköy until July 25. Mexican painter Jazzamoart's exhibition "The Bop of Painting" runs until July 11 at the Beyoğlu Municipality 6th Daire Art Gallery. Additionally, "Aesthetic Memory: A Selection from the Terakki Foundation Art Collection" is available for viewing until July 17.