CRR to Host Music Lovers with 12 Concerts in February

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Cemal Reşit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall presents 12 concerts in February, spanning classical music, Turkish classical music, jazz and world music. CRR will also continue to offer free music talks titled "Turning Left at the Entrance", the "Five O'Clock Tea Concerts" held every Wednesday at 17:00, and the "Support for Young Musicians" concerts where music students perform in the CRR foyer throughout February. Here are the concerts: ALAFSAR RAHIMOV – FRIDAY, 2 FEBRUARY – 20:00 [caption id="attachment_159344" align="aligncenter"] ALAFSAR RAHIMOV[/caption]

Balaban Meets Jazz on 2 February at CRR

Alafsar Rahimov's "Balaban Meets Jazz" concert, a unique combination of jazz and mugam, will take place on Friday, 2 February at 20:00 at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Cemal Reşit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall. In this special evening where the balaban's striking voice blends with modern jazz rhythms, Rahimov will be accompanied on stage by Kaan Bıyıkoğlu (piano), Enver Muhamedi (bass guitar), Burak Durman (drums) and Tümer Uluçınar (electric guitar).

First at the Louvre Museum, Now at CRR

Alafsar Rahimov combines traditional Azerbaijani music with jazz, presenting his own compositions and world music with an experimental approach. "Balaban Meets Jazz" demonstrates that the coexistence of different cultures and musical styles is possible and that music is a universal language. Rahimov performed "Balaban Meets Jazz" at the Louvre Museum in Paris in 2021. Tickets are available for TRY 200, 165, 100 and 50 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix.

ALEJANDRO DEL ANGEL & CRR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA "ROMAN CARNIVAL" – SATURDAY, 3 FEBRUARY – 20:00

Conductor: Jacobo Brusa Tenor: Alejandro Del Angel  

A "Roman Carnival" in Istanbul

Mexican tenor Alejandro Del Angel, who has established a strong position in the opera world through his charisma and impressive vocal performances, and who critics describe as a "shining tenor" and "extraordinary singer", appears at CRR on Saturday, 3 February with "Roman Carnival". At the concert where Del Angel will be accompanied by the CRR Symphony Orchestra, the talented Italian conductor Jacobo Brusa will lead the orchestra. At CRR Concert Hall on Saturday evening, 3 February, Hector Berlioz's historic "Op. 9 Roman Carnival Overture" will be performed with Alejandro Del Angel's captivating tenor voice and Brusa's dynamic orchestra direction. The concert repertoire spans a wide range from Giuseppe Verdi's profound and moving arias to unforgettable works by renowned composers such as Francesco Cilea, Gaetano Donizetti, Pietro Mascagni and Georges Bizet. With this extraordinary performance by Alejandro Del Angel and Jacobo Brusa, the concert promises listeners a musical journey to Rome. Tickets are available for TRY 90 and 40 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix.  

SELİN ŞEKERANBER & YUDUM ÇETİNER - DUO BLANC & NOIR - "IMAGINE" – SUNDAY, 4 FEBRUARY – 11:30

"IMAGINE" - Children Become Part of Music and Concert Duo Blanc & Noir, formed by music educators Selin Şekeranber and Yudum Çetiner, invite children and families to the magical world of music with their interactive concert titled "IMAGINE" at 11:30 on 4 February at CRR Concert Hall. This special event offers children aged 0 to 7 the opportunity to discover classical music, while drawing them into a musical adventure that nurtures imagination. Tickets for this unique approximately 60-minute experience are on sale for TRY 30. The "IMAGINE" project aims to introduce children aged 0 to 7 to classical music and develop sensitivity in this field. Under the musical leadership of Şekeranber and Çetiner, children and families will explore music in an entertaining and educational environment. At the concert, through specially selected lullabies and stories from the IMAGINE album and book, children will embark on a musical journey and find themselves in an unfamiliar world. This interactive experience will enable children not only to hear music but also to explore it and actively participate in it. Creative activities such as singing with piano accompaniment, listening to music, dancing and marking rhythm with music will make the concert an unforgettable experience for children. Additionally, as children discover the piano as an instrument, they will become participants in activities that make them part of the music, concert and action. Duo Blanc & Noir combines multiple disciplines in art, offering children the healing and imagination-developing effects of music. With IMAGINE albums available on all digital music platforms and books containing sheet music, this project that combines the power of art and education offers a unique opportunity for children to love and understand music. Tickets for the concert are available for TRY 30 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix.  

RANDY ESEN & CRR JAZZ ORCHESTRA – FRIDAY, 9 FEBRUARY – 20:00

Randy Esen at CRR on 9 February! Jazz scene's shining star Randy Esen will perform at CRR Concert Hall on 9 February at 20:00 with the CRR Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Nail Yavuzoğlu. Having collaborated with important names such as Aydın Esen, Bob Moses and Kerem Can Dündar, and gaining much acclaim with his 'Not Alone' EP, Randy Esen is recognized as one of the most impressive representatives of jazz vocal art. With his extraordinary voice and performance on stage, Randy Esen ranks among leading jazz vocalists and is an artist who has achieved much success in his solo career. At the concert at CRR, the dynamic performance of the CRR Jazz Orchestra, which will accompany Esen's powerful and unique voice, will offer jazz lovers an unforgettable musical experience. Concert tickets are available for TRY 90 and 40 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix.

QUARTETTO DI CREMONA & PABLO BARRAGÁN – SATURDAY, 10 FEBRUARY – 20:00

Masters of Chamber Music's Enchanting Art on Stage at CRR on 10 February! Distinguished representatives of chamber music Quartetto di Cremona and world-renowned clarinet virtuoso Pablo Barragán, known for his stage charisma and profound musical understanding, take the stage at CRR Concert Hall on Saturday, 10 February at 20:00 with an unforgettable concert. Founded in 2000 and holding a respected position internationally, Quartetto di Cremona is composed of violinists Cristiano Gualco and Paolo Andreoli, violist Simone Gramaglia and cellist Giovanni Scaglione. The concert features G.F. Malipieri's String Quartet No. 2 "Stornelli e Ballate", M. Ravel's String Quartet in F Major, and J. Brahms' Clarinet Quintet, Op. 115, in B Minor. Quartetto di Cremona draws attention with its universally praised interpretations and collaborations with world-renowned artists. In 2019, the group was awarded the Franco Buitoni Prize for its contributions to the promotion of chamber music in Italy and worldwide, and the members also serve as ambassadors of the international project "Friends of Stradivari". Pablo Barragán is an artist who skillfully blends craftsmanship with the refined sound of his instrument, standing out as an important figure on the international music scene. Tickets for the approximately 100-minute concert are available for TRY 150, 120, 90 and 40 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix.   SEZEN AKSU TRIBUTE BY EZGİ KÖKER - ALATURKA PROJECT – WEDNESDAY, 14 FEBRUARY – 20:00 A Concert from CRR to Music Lovers as a Valentine's Day Gift: Sezen Aksu Tribute Ezgi Köker, paying tribute to Sezen Aksu's unique works, will perform at CRR on 14 February, Valentine's Day, with her special project "Sezen Aksu Tribute By Ezgi Köker 'Alaturka Project'".   Continuing her musical life as an artist of the Presidential Turkish Music Chorus and soloist of the İnceSaz Group, Ezgi Köker will blend the unique forms of expression of pop and Turkish music at the concert, interpreting Sezen Aksu's broad-ranged and Turkish music-toned works. Performing with musicians who worked with Sezen Aksu for years, Köker will accompany some pieces with the oud.   On stage, Köker will be accompanied by Erdem Sökmen (guitar), Can Kandaz (oud), Eylem Pelit (bass guitar), Türker Çolak (drums, percussion) and Burak Dursun (trumpet-trombone). Ezgi Köker and the Alaturka Project will present some lesser-known songs by Sezen Aksu with a rich musical texture in this special evening. Tickets for the concert are available in the categories TRY 150, 120, 90 and 40 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix.   FERHAT FERAT/MAHARET – FRIDAY, 16 FEBRUARY – 20:00 AYDIN ESEN OKAY TEMİZ/BOB FRANCESCHINI/FERHAT FERAT/ÇAĞDAŞ ORUÇ/KRISTIAN LIND/SELİM GÖKSU/HURİ ALİEFENDİOĞLU The Encounter of Jazz and Anatolian Music "Maharet" The "Maharet" project, which combines jazz music with the rhythmic and melodic richness of Anatolia, meets on 16 February at 20:00 at CRR. The leader of this impressive project, Ferhat Ferat, stands out not only as an electric guitarist but also as a composer and arranger. At the concert, Ferhat Ferat will be accompanied by researcher musician Okay Temiz, who entered world literature, jazz piano giant Aydın Esen, American jazz saxophonist Bob Franceschini, saxophonist Çağdaş Oruç, Swedish bassist Kristian Lind, drummer Selim Göksu and Huri Aliefendioğlu on oud and vocals. The "Maharet" project includes Ferhat Ferat's compositions "Maharet", "Azer", "Kelemenije", "Sembol", "Okay", "Fall", "Onno" (in memory of Onno Tunç), "Zartaboz", "Acaip Blues" and "Laz Bride". In this project, Ferhat Ferat aims to meet Turkey's diverse music cultures with the universal language of jazz, reflecting his own artistic perception and the spirits of the valued musicians contributing to the project. Tickets for the concert are available in the categories TRY 200, 165, 100 and 50 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix. LURA – SATURDAY, 17 FEBRUARY – 20:00   Lura, the Enchanting Voice of Cabo Verde: "Best Of Lura" at CRR on 17 February! Lura, who has brought Cabo Verde's songs of longing, love and the sea to the entire world and has become one of the most special names in world music in recent years, like the Barefoot Diva Cesaria Evora with whom she duets, will meet her fans at CRR on 17 February with her "Best Of Lura" album and a concert featuring the best songs of her career.   Born in Lisbon in 1975 and starting her music career in 1996, Lura drew attention from her first album onwards with duets she performed with various artists. Lura increased her international recognition with her 2004 album "Di Korpu ku Alma". With this album nominated for the 2005 BBC World Music Awards, the artist also gained great acclaim with her "M'bem di Fora" and "Eclipse" albums and undertook world tours. Lura reintroduced Cabo Verde culture to younger generations, successfully blending different styles of Portuguese pop music, jazz, African music and American Soul. The artist, who received great international attention with "Flor di nha esperanca", which she performed in Carlos Saura's film "Fados", further expanded her listener base with her 2010 "Best Of Lura" album. Lura's music skillfully combines the traditional melodies of her homeland with modern music.   Shortly before losing Cesaria Evora, the artist recorded the song "Moda Bo" with Evora, and Lura is recognized as an important artist continuing Evora's legacy. The British Independent newspaper praised Lura, saying "As her international career gains momentum, she will fill and overflow stadiums."   Tickets for the concert are available in the categories TRY 200, 165, 100 and 50 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix. NILS PETTER MOLVAER & GÜLŞAH EROL QUINTET – FRIDAY, 23 FEBRUARY – 20:00 The Heights of Improvised Jazz: The Unique Meeting of Nils Petter Molvaer and Gülşah Erol Quintet: Master names in jazz and improvised music, trumpet virtuoso Nils Petter Molvaer and Turkey's leading cellist and composer Gülşah Erol, come together on 23 February at CRR Concert Hall. In this special evening, Molvaer's innovative approach to electronic and jazz music combined with Erol's unique interpretation blending various music styles will offer jazz lovers an unforgettable experience.   Gülşah Erol is known for her masterful use of acoustic and electric instruments, expertise in different music styles and composing abilities; Nils Petter Molvaer is recognized as an artist who pushes the boundaries of the trumpet in jazz music and is considered a pioneer of electronic music. At their CRR concert, the duo will reinterpret the "Jazz For My Little" album with new colors and tones.   The repertoire of Gülşah Erol Quintet, featuring Erol's own compositions and different colors of world music, will reveal the richness and diversity of jazz. Molvaer and Erol will transcend the traditional boundaries of jazz music, delivering a performance that reaches the heights of improvisation art.   Tickets for the concert are available in the categories TRY 150, 120, 75 and 40 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix.

CRR TURKISH MUSIC ENSEMBLE - FACES OF THE CENTURY - KÂMURAN YARKIN – SATURDAY, 24 FEBRUARY – 13:00

The CRR Turkish Music Ensemble will perform with a special concert dedicated to "Kâmuran Yarkın" under the "Faces of the Century" program on Saturday, 24 February 2024 at 13:00. At this concert conducted by Hakan Talu, the valuable works contributed by Kâmuran Yarkın as a ney player and composer to Turkish music will be performed through solo and choir performances.   Çiğdem Yarkın, İbrahim Suat Erbay and ney player Murat Aydemir will appear as guest soloists at the concert, performing songs that reflect Kâmuran Yarkın's unique style in plectrum and bowed ney performance and are beloved by the public.   Tickets for the concert are available in the categories TRY 90 and 40 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix.

MEHMET ALİ SANLIKOL & CRR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – SATURDAY, 24 FEBRUARY – 20:00

Known for his mastery on the ney, piano and vocals, Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol performs works ranging widely from jazz to classical music, traditional Turkish music to modern composition on 24 February at CRR. Sanlıkol will be accompanied at the concert by the CRR Symphony Orchestra conducted by orchestra conductor Murat Cem Orhan. At the concert, select works including Sanlıkol's "An Istanbul Celebi" will be performed along with G.F. Handel's "Julius Caesar in Egypt Overture" and Béla Bartók's "Music for Celesta, Percussion and Strings". This concert will present a musical feast where Sanlıkol's musical depth and the orchestra's accompaniment ability come together. The CRR Symphony Orchestra will begin the concert with Handel's overture from the opera "Julius Caesar", first performed 300 years ago, followed by Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol's original composition "An Istanbul Celebi" and Béla Bartók's "Music for Celesta, Percussion and Strings". Sanlıkol's work titled "An Istanbul Celebi" was inspired by Evliya Çelebi's "Book of Travels". In this work, he narrates in musical language the experiences Çelebi encountered during his travels. The work addresses automatic clocks that caught Çelebi's attention on his trip to Vienna, a "jazz ballad" about the death of Kaya Sultan, the "vegetarian dervishes" of Bektashi order that Çelebi encountered in Africa, and information Çelebi wrote about Alexander the Great. Béla Bartók's work "Sz. 106 Music for Celesta, Percussion and Strings" is a study showcasing the composer's innovative musical language and unique orchestration. The work stands out with its sophisticated textures, rhythmic complexity and vivid use of contrasting tones, bringing to light Bartók's influences and contributions to 20th century music. Tickets for the concert are available in the categories TRY 90 and 40 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix.      

YESARI ASIM ARSOY COMMEMORATION CONCERT - MÜNIP UTANDI – FRIDAY, 28 FEBRUARY – 20:00

CRR Concert Hall will host a commemoration concert on the evening of 28 February for Yesari Asim Arsoy, a unique figure in Turkish music. This commemorative evening, beginning at 20:00, will honor Arsoy's unforgettable works and musical legacy. At the concert where valued Turkish music figure Münip Utandı will appear as soloist, Merve Utandı Kalkan, Aybige Demir Okan, Taner Yalçın, Taha Aras and Nilsu Kalkan will accompany the artist on vocals. Fatih Salgar, retired conductor of the Presidential Classical Turkish Music Choir, will serve as speaker at this special commemorative concert. Yesari Asım Arsoy was born in Drama in 1896 and held an important place in the music scene during the final period of the Ottoman Empire and the early years of the Turkish Republic. After settling in Istanbul, he further developed his musical talents and, thanks to a 33-year agreement with Columbia Records, recorded many of his works. Arsoy's music gained a wide following both in Turkey and abroad. Known for his talents in composition and vocal performance as well as poetry, Arsoy was among the stylistic masters of Turkish music's later period. He developed the song form within his own musical understanding and style, presenting his own compositions with the dominance of romanticism and lyricism. Tickets for the concert are available in the categories TRY 90 and 40 at the CRR Box Office and Biletix.