HOMAGE TO SAYGUN

The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of its honorary conductor Gürer Aykal, invites you to an unforgettable concert dedicated to honouring our pioneering composer, musicologist, and educator Ahmed Adnan Saygun. The evening’s soloist will be the distinguished French cello virtuoso Marc Coppey, celebrated for his commanding technique.

Saygun’s Cello Concerto, in which he masterfully unites national colours with a modern orchestral language, will be brought to life through Coppey’s interpretation. One of the 20th century’s most influential composers, Béla Bartók—who, together with Saygun, conducted folk music research in Anatolia—will be represented by one of his most beloved works, the Concerto for Orchestra. With its energetic rhythms, themes inspired especially by Hungarian folk music, and rich orchestration, the work promises to captivate listeners. Saygun’s Manastır Türküsü, likewise rooted in the distinctive traditions of Anatolia, will bring the concert to a powerful conclusion in the interpretation of Koro Istanbul under the baton of the brilliant young conductor Kübra Şenyaylar.

This special programme offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the cultural bridges that inspired masters such as Saygun and Bartók, and to experience how national melodies found new resonance within the musical language of the 20th century.