History

Borusan Sanat, the driving force behind the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, was founded by Borusan Holding, one of the leading industrial conglomerates of Turkey and a keen supporter of the arts since its foundation, which has always endeavored to contribute to Turkey’s modernization process. Assuming that each value created by a person or institution translates into a contribution to the nation’s economic and social growth, the Holding laid the foundation for an arts institution for the advancement and sustainability of its appreciation of art. Thus came Borusan Sanat into existence in 1997.

With its headquarters located on the Istiklal Avenue, an architecturally charming edifice nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s prime culture and arts district Beyoğlu, Borusan Sanat operates as an affiliate of the Borusan Kocabıyık, Foundation established by Borusan Holding’s founder Asım Kocabıyık in 1992, which focuses mostly on educational activities like building primary schools, supporting higher education institutions by way of adding to their facilities and renovating their current premises.

Music: BIPO, Borusan Quartet and further... Placing the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra (BIPO) at the core of its activities, Borusan Sanat organizes the monthly regular concerts of the orchestra as well as those of the Borusan Quartet, formed of BIPO’s group leaders. The Borusan Children’s Choir is another meaningful initiative commenced in 2002 to foster the love for classical music in children. Borusan Virtuosi is the latest fruit of the ensemble formed of its section leaders. They perform on special occasions. Meanwhile, Borusan Sanat donated its entire Music Library, which served the public in its previous headquarters, to Istanbul Technical University’s Center for Advanced Studies in Music (MIAM) to reach a wider audience.

Music Scholarship Committed not only to organizing art events but education as well, Borusan Sanat, since 2005, provides an annual music scholarship abroad for aspiring young musicians. Funds for this unique endowment are raised through the innovative “Special Concert” series, in which a leading figure from the art and business world conducts BIPO in an annual concert. The proceeds of the concert are transferred to the Borusan Music Scholarship fund.

Ertuğ & Kocabıyık Publications Borusan Sanat also acts as the coordination center of Ertuğ & Kocabıyık Publications, a prominent publishing house offering exquisite art volumes presenting the rich cultural heritage of mainly Anatolia and recently Europe. These unique books present images by architect- photographer Ahmet Ertuğ and texts penned by leading academics and specialists of the world.

A performance venue and a new home Borusan Sanat opened the Borusan Music House in 2010 and has, since, organized classical, jazz, world and new music concerts as well as dance performances and contemporary art exhibitions in this venue to reach a wider audience. Since 2013, Borusan has been operating in this building which combines history with technology in the heart of Istanbul.

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