Orchestra of the east plays at ancient sites

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

The one and only philharmonic orchestra of Turkey’s eastern and southeastern region aims to showcase the talents of musicians in the region. AA photo

A group of young people have established the first philharmonic orchestra of the eastern and southeastern regions of Turkey. The orchestra of 20 people consists of high school and university students.

Founding conductor Özgür Oğuz said this is the one and only orchestra of the region and aims to showcase the talents of the region.

“There are many talented people here and we aim to open a new dimension for them,” he said.

“There is a bad image [associated with] the region and we aim to get rid of this image with the orchestra and with culture and arts. People from all over the world are sending us messages and they want to work with us,” Oğuz added, noting that they need a bit more practice time before they can directly accept the foreign offers but will be considering them in the future.

He also said they would like to give concerts in Adıyaman and that the orchestra will perform at Mount Nemrut and the Perre Ancient City site. “With these events we will also contribute to the presentation of Adıyaman’s cultural heritage.”

A member of the orchestra, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Music Teaching Department student Soner Öcal, said the newly formed orchestra is a great opportunity for everyone living in the area.