A Celebration of Turkish Music

October 26, 2024 | 7:30 PM | Symphony Space, New York City

The Turkish American Orchestra makes its debut with a genre-bending gala concert that celebrates the richness and diversity of Turkish music, from Ottoman court sounds to jazz, film scores to pop hits, through an American orchestral lens.

Led by Music Director Nisan Ak, the evening features new orchestral arrangements, taksims, and world premieres by Turkish immigrant composers including Utar Artun, Ilkim Tongur, Esin Aydıngöz, Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol, and Betin Güneş. Spanning centuries and styles, this concert is a tribute to both the past 100 years of the Turkish Republic and the next 100 to come.

Through strings, percussion, oud, qanun, and jazz harmonies, the program tells the story of a country where east meets west, and a diaspora that continues to shape it.

Program Highlights

• Utar Artun – Kacın Kurası & Hadi Bakalım (Commissioned by TAO, World Premiere)

• Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol – A Gentleman of Istanbul: Jazz Ballad & Semai

• Ilkim Tongur – Ancient Butterflies (USA Premiere)

• Esin Aydıngöz – Turkish Film and TV Music Medley & Land of Passion (World Premiere)

• Utar Artun – Ben Yürürüm Yane Yane (Commissioned by TAO, World Premiere)

• Utar Artun – Mahur Saz Semai (Commissioned by TAO, World Premiere)

• Betin Güneş – Beyoğlu’nda Gezersin & Darıldın mı Gülüm Bana (USA Premiere)