Trio cancels concert at Ankara Music Festival due to US Embassy statement

ANKARA

Yet another concert at the 33rd International Ankara Music Festival, which opened on April 4, has been canceled. 

According to a written statement made by the festival committee, the U.S. trio Sierra Ensemble canceled their appearance in the festival due a travel restriction posted by the U.S. Embassy on April 1 over security concerns in several cities.

“The U.S. Embassy in Ankara reminds U.S. citizens that due to the security situation in southeast Turkey, U.S. government personnel in Turkey remain subject to travel restrictions in the following provinces: Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, Diyarbakır Van, Siirt, Muş, Mardin, Batman, Bingol, Tunceli, Hakkari, Bitlis, Elazığ, Adana, İzmir, and Muğla. U.S. citizens are also reminded to avoid areas in close proximity to the Syrian border,” the warning read.

“We strongly encourage U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster your personal security,” it said. 

In addition to that of the Sierra Ensemble, three concerts were cancelled by the artists due to current terror events in the country, according to the festival’s website. 

Max Mausen-Jason Anderson & Trio Koch concert on April 5, Darmstadt Baroque Soloists & Giuliano Carmignola concert on April 6 and Union Tanguera concert on April 22 are among the canceled events at the festival.