The General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet is organizing the first “Anatolian Opera and Ballet Festival” to bring opera and ballet to various cities across Anatolia.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Opera Stage, General Director Tan Sağtürk explained that they had mapped out Anatolia’s vast geography, identifying provinces that had never been or were rarely visited.
5 CITIES, 14 PERFORMANCES
Providing details about the festival, Sağtürk said: “The First Anatolian Opera and Ballet Festival will commence in Şırnak on December 7. The festival aims to blend Anatolia’s rich cultural fabric with universal arts. In its inaugural year, the festival will present 14 performances in five cities: Şırnak, Erzincan, Kırklareli, Ardahan, and Hatay. We are delighted to bring art lovers 13 diverse productions, including ballets, musicals, modern dances, children’s plays, and concerts.”
TALENT WORKSHOPS
Sağtürk highlighted that children would play a special role in the festival, with plays designed to nurture their love for the arts and expand their imaginations from an early age. “We believe that a generation raised with art forms the cornerstone of a bright future. Another exciting aspect of our festival is discovering and fostering young talents. Through events organized under the motto ‘Talent is Everywhere,’ we will provide children and young people with workshops and training, opening the doors to an inspiring artistic journey,” he stated.
THE HERITAGE OF ANATOLIA
Sağtürk expressed that the multi-layered and ancient Anatolian culture, combined with the elegance of opera and ballet, creates an unparalleled richness. “This festival is not just an art event but a milestone that will build new bridges between art and culture. In 2025, we aim to extend this excitement to 18 more cities, from Edirne to Kars, Osmaniye to Manisa. As the State Opera and Ballet, we are proud to carry the honor of our international festivals in Aspendos, Ephesus, Bodrum, and Istanbul to every corner of Anatolia.”
SELECTING THE RIGHT WORKS
Speaking about careful planning in selecting performances, Sağtürk noted:
“When introducing opera and ballet to an audience for the first time, we hope to ensure they enjoy the experience without boredom, watching us with joy. For example, in Şırnak, while performing the Şehr-i Nuh concert, we will include two local children in the performance, incorporating local sounds with them. Over time, we will increase the variety of our works and bring larger productions to enhance the audience’s understanding and appreciation.”
As part of the festival, which will take place from December 7-17:
- Ankara Devlet Opera ve Balesi will perform the Şehr-i Nuh concert and the children’s play Sihirli Dünya in Şırnak.
- Samsun Devlet Opera ve Balesi will present the children’s play Okulumuz Orman, Carmen, and Hisseli Harikalar Kumpanyası in Erzincan.
- İstanbul Devlet Opera ve Balesi will stage Rezonans and Öylesine Bir Dinleti in Kırklareli.
- İzmir Devlet Opera ve Balesi will perform Folkloroma, the children’s play Barış Ormanı, and the concert Tango Tango in Ardahan.
- Mersin Devlet Opera ve Balesi will present the musical children’s play Bremen Mızıkacıları, the concert Yerelden Evrensele Aşk Ezgileri, and the stage cantata Apollo ve Dafne by İstanbul Devlet Opera ve Balesi in Hatay.
