‘Music for One God’ gathers all religions

ISTANBUL- Hürriyet Daily News

Musicians representing three religions, Islam, Christianity and Judaism, will perform on the Hagia Irina stage today, with the Egemen Bağış, Turkey’s European Union Minister, in attendance.

The musicians will perform religious songs together in a concert titled “Music for One God.” Also attending the concert will be Turkish religious leaders.

The concert is based on the idea of “one God,” and seeks to emphasize the importance of peace and gathering together for peace, according to a statement. While it will also focus on fostering tolerance among different cultures and societies, it will also support art and music.

Participating musicians include Ahmet Özhan, Francesca Lombardi Mazzulli, Valer Barna-Sabadus, the Byzantium Choir, Hazan Yako Taragano and choir, Muganni Nishan Chalgujian and choir, Syriani soloist Sarah Ego, the Chamber Choir of Europe and the Istanbul Sufi Music Choir.

Music from composers
The music by artists such as Ali Ufki, Bach, Vivaldi, Itri, Marcello, Zekai Dede and Pergolesi will be performed. Some of the compositions included will be performed for the first time. The audience will have the chance to some rare instruments played as well, such as the çeng, lute and rebab.

The “Music for One God” project is sponsored by the Eyüp Music Association, supported by the European Union-Turkey Intercultural Dialogue and Art Program, a non-governmental organization.