CRR venue prepares to host 80 new concerts

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

Venezuelan-American pianist Gabriela Montero will perform at CRR on Feb 20.

Istanbul’s culture and art venue Cemal Reşit Ray is preparing to present its new season of 80 new concerts.

“The saloon will gather flamenco, jazz, classic and Turkish musicians this year,” said art manager Kemal Karaöz to Anatolia news agency.

“Cities create their own cultures,” said Karaöz, adding that the first concert of this season will take place on Feb. 16 with Trilok Gırtu and Tuluğ Tırpan.

On Feb. 19 the program will continue with Tanburi Cemil Bey Days, said Karaöz, and on Feb. 20 the CRR will host Gabriela Montero and on Feb. 22 Cristina Branco.

The most awaited concert is Fazıl Say’s piano recital, Karaöz said. Fazıl Say will be onstage on Feb. 24 and 25.

“We try to do our best in staging those concerts,” said Karaöz. However, he said, the media interest in the concerts was not enough; there should be more presentation at the concerts. “Everyone can follow us from our websites,” he said.

Noting that Turkish people do not have the habit of buying tickets and going to a concert, Karaöz said: “We sell tickets; however, the expenditure does not equal the tickets that we sell.”