The esteemed Vienna Symphony Orchestra, marking its 125th anniversary, graced Istanbul with a special two-day program as part of the 54th Istanbul Music Festival, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV).
Acclaimed Performance at Atatürk Cultural Center
The concert, held at the Atatürk Cultural Center, featured the orchestra under the baton of conductor Petr Popelka. They were joined by the award-winning Chinese-Canadian pianist Bruce Liu, who was born in Paris and raised in Montreal, bringing his multicultural identity to his artistry.
Program Highlights: Beethoven and Schubert
The first half of the concert’s program showcased German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37,” comprising the “Allegro con brio,” “Largo,” and “Rondo. Allegro” movements. Following an intermission, Austrian composer Franz Schubert’s “Symphony No. 9 in C major, D 944,” famously known as “The Great,” captivated the audience.
The approximately 60-minute symphony was performed in its entirety, featuring the movements “Andante-Allegro ma non troppo,” “Andante con moto,” “Scherzo (Allegro vivace)-Trio,” and “Allegro vivace.”
Sold-Out Event and Future Performance
The concert, sponsored by Borusan Holding, was sold out and lasted approximately two hours. The orchestra is scheduled to perform a second concert as part of the 54th Istanbul Music Festival, where they will accompany cellist Kian Soltani. The ensemble and Soltani previously collaborated on the world premiere of composer Marcus Nigsch’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in January.
This specially curated program for the upcoming concert will bring the ongoing artistic collaboration between the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and Soltani to Istanbul once again. İKSV also makes a sapling donation for each artist performing on the festival stage.
About the Istanbul Music Festival
The Istanbul Music Festival, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), is a prominent event in the city’s cultural calendar, attracting renowned international and local artists. The festival aims to enrich Istanbul’s artistic landscape and provide a platform for classical music appreciation.
The 54th edition of the festival continues to uphold its tradition of presenting high-caliber musical performances, contributing significantly to Istanbul’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.
