Berliner Orchestra performs in Turkey

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Turkish soloists cellist Efe Baltacıgil and double bassist Fora Baltacıgil will accompany Berliner Philharmoniker Orchestra on Sept 27. at Haliç Congress Center.

Berlin Philarmonic Orchestra will perform two concerts in Turkey. The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts will host the Berliner Philharmoniker on Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Haliç Congress Center. The orchestra will also perform in Epehesus’s ancient theater on Sept. 28 for the closing concert of the 26th İzmir Culture and Arts Festival.

Accompanying world-acclaimed Turkish soloists cellist Efe Baltacıgil and double bassist Fora Baltacıgil, the ensemble will perform under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, who has been chief conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker and artistic director of the Berlin Philharmonie since 2002.

The Berliner Philharmoniker has long been esteemed as one of the world’s greatest orchestras. In 2007, it celebrated the 125th anniversary of its founding with a multitude of activities. Hans von Bülow, Arthur Nikisch and Wilhelm Furtwängler were the principal conductors who left their distinctive mark in the Berliner Philharmoniker’s early decades. In 1955, Herbert von Karajan became the orchestra’s artistic director, and in the ensuing years worked with the musicians to develop a unique tonal quality and performing style that made the Berliner Philharmoniker famous all over the world.

Claudio Abbado, chief conductor from 1989 to 2002, devised a new type of programming, with increased emphasis on contemporary works, expanded chamber recital series and operas in concert performance. When Rattle took the orchestra’s helm in September 2002, the education program was initiated to ensure that the Berliner Philharmoniker reaches a wider and, especially, younger audience. In November 2007, the orchestra and Rattle were appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, becoming the first artistic ensemble ever to represent the children’s organization.