Events | İş Sanat

MFÖ |

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:00 GMT

This month, İş Sanat is hosting MFÖ, one of the most prominent and rooted groups of Turkish pop music. With albums including only lyrics of their own, national and international concerts, numerous prizes and innovations that they brought, MFÖ not only became a symbol in Turkish pop music history and is no doubt one of the most well-known and sought after groups in Turkey. Formed in 1966, Mazhar Alanson and Fuat Güner released the album Türküz Türkü Çağırırız in 1971. With the participation of Özkan Uğur the same year, the 36 year old foundation of the group was laid. In the mid 70’s the group realized the first clip project ever in Turkey for the song Heyecanlı Çok Heyecanlıyım. MFÖ made its most significant output in 1984 with the album Ele Güne Karşı and that year. The song that gave the album its name was chosen the song of the year. Their outstanding success was reinforced by the albums Peki Peki Anladık (1985), Vak The Rock (1986), No Problem” (1987), Best of MFÖ (1989), Geldiler (1990), Agannaga and Dönmem Yolundan (1992 ) and mainly rock sounded M.V.A.B (1995). MFÖ successfully represented Turkey in the Eurovision song contest in 1985 and 1988. The band members succeeded in their solo careers as well including movies, theatres, commercials and TV series except solo albums. They did not choose to perform alone and always appeared on stage as MFÖ. In July 2003, the band released a two track maxi single followed by the Collection album in fall. The album AGU has taken its place in music markets in early 2006 and their last album And MFÖ was released in the second half of 2011. MFÖ will be at İş Sanat with songs from their latest album as well as most popular tunes on February 1st!

WHAT THE SCORES DON’T REVEAL | İstanbul Trio

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

MEMET ALİ ALABORA narrator
EMİR GAMSIZOĞLU piano

İstanbul Trio
Emir Gamsızoğlu piano

In addition of surprise guests in every show…

Concept Emir Gamsızoğlu, Memet Ali Alabora
Light Design Yüksel Aymaz
Project Assistant

What do you first recall when we say classical music?

We think of chatting, having a nice time together, having fun, for we had lots of fun thanks to classical music. And we shared it with many friends around Anatolia, some of who were our peers, some elders, some juniors.

Now we invite you to share our fun with classical music. It’s time to listen to classical music, have chitchat and meet our musician friends.

If you want to hear the melodies you know, enjoy what you don’t know and listen to musical stores, pianist Emir Gamsızoğlu and actor Memet Ali Alabora will be glad to host you at İş Sanat.

RUSSIAN CHAMBER PHILHARMONIC ST PETERSBURG & ANDREI GAVRILOV |

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:00:01 GMT

JURI GILBO conductor
ANDREI GAVRILOV piano

W. A. Mozart Symphony No. 40, K.550, G minor
C. Saint Seans Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 22, G minor
L. v. Beethoven Symphony No. 7, Op. 92, A Major

İş Sanat continues to its classical concert series in February with Russian Chamber Philharmonic St Petersburg. With its much admired virtuosity and particular sound quality, Russian Chamber Philharmonic St Petersburg has an extraordinarily broad range of repertoire from baroque to modern that has made the orchestra one of the most sought-after chamber orchestras of Europe. Frequent concert tours throughout Europe by the orchestra have taken place to great acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. Since 1998, Juri Gilbo undertakes the position of the Musical Director of the orchestra while captivating not only the public, but also the orchestra from the first tone and not letting up until the last moment. At İş Sanatthe orchestra will accompany pianist Andrei Gavrilov who has been regarded as Sviatoslav Richter’s successor after winning the first prize in the 1974 “International Tchaikovsky Competition” at the age of 18. After a 7 year leave fduring which he did not make any public appearances, he made a triumphant comeback in 2001 playing 4 piano concertos in one evening at the Moscow Conservatory. We’ll certainly witness a splendid performance of Saint-Sean’s most popular piano concertos.

RUSSIAN CHAMBER PHILHARMONIC ST PETERSBURG & MISCHA MAISKY |

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:00:01 GMT

JURI GILBO conductor
MISCHA MAISKY cello

W. A. Mozart Overture from “La Nozze di Figaro”
P. I. Tchaikovsky “Rococo-Variations” for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33, A Major
F. Mendelssohn Symphony No. 3, Op. 56, A minor

In this second concert of Russian Chamber Philharmonic St Petersburg under the baton of Juri Gilbo, İş Sanat is hosting a living-legend,cellist Mischa Maisky. One of the most prominent artists who performs with the orchestra regularly, Mischa Maisky has the distinction of being the only cellist in the world to have studied both with Mstislav Rostropovich and Gregor Piatigorsky. Rostropovich has lauded Mischa Maisky as "...one of the most outstanding talents of the younger generation of cellists. His playing combines poetry and exquisite delicacy with great temperament and brilliant technique." As an exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist, Maisky has made well over 30 recordings with orchestras such as Vienna and Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, Israel Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris, Orpheus, Chamber Orchestra of Europe and others. One of the highlights of his career took place in 2000 with a worldwide Bach tour including over 100 concerts. In order to express his deep admiration for this great composer, Mischa Maisky has recorded Bach's solo suites thrice..

LOVE AFFAIRS NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN |

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:00:01 GMT

A Selection of Love Poems
Nâzım Hikmet, Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı, Ziya Osman Saba, Bedri Rahmi Eyuboğlu, Oktay Rifat, Necati Cumalı, Özdemir Asaf, Can Yücel, Ümit Yaşar Oğuzcan, Turgut Uyar, Edip Cansever, Cemal Süreya

Project by: Atilla Birkiye
Music Director and Piano: Serdar Yalçın
Adapted to Stage by: Mehmet Birkiye
Poems recited by: Tilbe Saran, Hümay Güldağ, Metin Belgin, Hakan Gerçek
Songs by: Deniz Erdoğan Likos, Hüseyin Likos

Featuring a prominent name from Turkish poetry every month, İş Sanat now brings a select program under a lovable theme: “Love Affairs... Not To Be Forgotten.” This program comprises love poems of thirteen masters of modern Turkish poetry with the accompaniment of piano and arias singing of love.

“The curtains open and darkness everywhere... Barely visible... Looks like an old Turkish vine house... A pianist at the corner... Scattered customers at their tables... Cigarettes... Candles... Wine glasses... And the poems start to come from within the darkness... Nâzım... The great Nâzım and a great poem of him... You hear the reciter and see the titles on the background screen... The poem goes directly to your heart through your eyes and ears...

Hıncal Uluç, Sabah, 20.02.2004

PARIS COMBO |

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:00:01 GMT

Starting his musical career at the end of 80’s with post-punk groups, Belle Du Berry an ex-member of the rock group Les Endimanchés founded Paris Combo with Australian-born David Lewis, and the story of Paris Combo begun with the musical journeys of the two musicians. With an eclectic and original repertoire, the group began performing regularly in Paris in 1995, playing in cafés, clubs, and on barges along the Seine. Their first album was released by the famous independent record label Boucherie. Their follow-up release, Living-Room–a gold record in France with a more than 200.000 album sale by 2000 – allowed Paris Combo to expand their popularity to North America, with extensive tours that mixed festival, club, and theater dates. Today, with four studio albums and a live album to their name, the group has succeeded to become one of the most authentic ensembles in France and taken its fusion of sounds as far afield as Brazil, Australia, East Europe and Far East. This February, Paris Combo takes its place at İş Sanat with its stirring music …

A CASUAL CONCERT FOR CHILDREN |

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:00:01 GMT

Authored and directed by: Murat Göksu
Setting and costume selection: Murat Göksu

Piano: Ece Göksu

Cast:
Nazlı Deniz Boran
Deniz Likos
Ahmet Baykara
Zafer Erdaş
Gökhan Ürben

Grandstanding in many cities of Turkey for many years with more than 200 performances and having attracted a great number of audiences for theatre, opera, ballet and symphonic concerts, the musical play “A Casual Concert”, now meets with children at İş Sanat. In contrast to its original version the adaptation for children “A Casual Concert for Children” also features an authentic tale.

Especially written for elementary and secondary school students, the play is aiming to encourage the children’s love for the arts as well as intending to make them spend some good time with Classical music. The songs and arias selected from musicals and operas are presented within a tale and in a theatric narration.

The play consists of 2 acts.

MOR VE ÖTESİ |

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Here is the eagerly awaited concert! One of Turkeys’ most distinctive alternative rock groups Mor ve Ötesi is at İş Sanat! Formed by four close high school friends in January 1995, Mor ve Ötesi released its first album “Şehir” in June 1996 and “Bırak Zaman Aksın” in 1999. In 2000 the band gave its most important gig to date opening for Placebo at its first Istanbul appearance. In 2004 the group released Dünya Yalan Söylüyor which was received very well. The song Bir Derdim Var in this album also appeared on the soundtrack of Mustafa Hakkında Herşey and won the prestigious Altın Portakal (Golden Orange) Award at the 41st International Antalya Film Festival for Best Song for a Motion Picture. The commercial success of the album – 250.000 units in sales – was complemented by a very busy and extensive touring schedule. Mid-2006 saw the release of the band’s fifth album Büyük Düşler. Before its release, the band parted ways with its existing record label and released the album on its own label “Rakun”. In the international arena, the band had by then played fifteen sold-out shows in Germany between 2004 and 2007. Mor ve Ötesi closed 2007 with a ‘Best Band of the Year’ award by Powerturk – the country’s foremost music television network – and the nomination as Turkey’s participant for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) that took place in Belgrade, Serbia in May 2008. After its most extensive Europe tour in 2009, Mor ve Ötesi spent the following months playing acoustic sets and recording new material for its 6th studio album Masumiyetin Ziyan Olmaz which was released in mid-2010.

MONICA MOLINA |

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:00:00 GMT

İş Sanat is hosting Mediterranean singer, Monica Molina, a distinct and unique voice that captures a huge fan base all over the world. Coming from an artistic family, Molina is the daughter of legendary Spanish singer Antonio Molina. Her heart-warming, a little melancholic, a little hope-giving but always romantic voice brings along a breeze of love to all the listeners around the world. With her four albums, Tu Despidada, Vuelo, De Cal y Arena and A Vida, Molina gained an important place within the world music scene. With every album released in Spain, reaching “platinum” sale status, Molina received many awards as well as a Latin Grammy Nomination. She realized the photo shooting of her album Autorretrato, a collection of her best songs, in Istanbul and conveyed the beauty of Bosporus and the country to the world. In her last project, also featuring her father’s legendary songs, Molina continues to reach her listeners with a breeze of love songs. The most beautiful Mediterranean songs that Molina will sing at İş Sanat will warm your heart in cold February.

MEHMET PESEN | Retrospective Exhibition

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Mehmet Pesen meets with art lovers at the Kibele Art Gallery with a retrospective exhibition that consists of around 200 of his works which he produced from 1944 to the present. At the exhibition, Pesen’s works from his embroidery, semiabstract, figurative and contemporary miniature periods will be exhibited.

Depicting the subjects of folk dance, drum, zurna, reed players during his first years of art life and deciding on the miniature at the ends of the 1970’s, Pesen created his own style by adding an element of depth to the miniature which he derived from the western painting. He produced hundreds of works with his distinctive miniature style. In most of them the subject of the rural weddings remained while in his latter works Anatolia’s several cities, regions and especially Istanbul compositions formed the subject.

In 1984, the UNICEF committee chose two of Pesen’s works to be printed on UNICEF postcards. This was a first for Turkey. After this achievement in 1986, Mehmet Pesen won the Grand Award among some six hundred works from thirty two countries at the International Postcard Creations Competition organized together by UNICEF and Strasbourg Academy.

Due to his illness at the early 2000’s, Pesen abandoned painting completely. In his 58 years of art life, he produced more than three thousand works. Some 200 hundred of them will be shown at the Mehmet Pesen retrospective exhibition which is one of the events that art lovers definitely should not miss.

Born in 1923 in Istanbul, Mehmet Pesen co-founded “10lar Grubu” in 1947 with his ten friends from DGSA Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu Atelier. After finishing Istanbul State Fine Arts Academy painting department, he began working as a painting - art history teacher.

Being honoured with the Grand Award at the International Postcard Creations Competition organized together by UNICEF and Strasbourg Academy, Pesen received “50th Year at Art” Prize by Plastic Arts Society in 1998. He exhibited his more than three thousand works at his around one hundred personal exhibitions and at several group exhibitions.

BRAD MEHLDAU TRIO |

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:00:01 GMT

BRAD MEHLDAU piano LARRY GRENADİER bass JEFF BALLARD drum, percussion

Having a large number of fans all over the world, American jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, known for his innovative and imaginative interpretations, is the second guest of İş Sanat’s jazz concert series. Blending various genres with a unique style in his works such as rock, jazz and classic music, Mehldau occupies an important place in today’s modern jazz music. He is considered as one of the most distinguished and creative jazz pianists of his generation after legends such as Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea and McCoy Tyner. Mehldau has performed around the world at a steady pace since the mid-1990s, with his trio and as a solo pianist. Playing original compositions, jazz standards and jazz arrangements of popular music, especially rock music, Mehldau, with his trio, has also recorded arrangements of the music of Nick Drake, The Beatles, Radiohead and Paul Simon among others. Bred Mehldau still pushes the limits with his extraordinary repertoire conveying a wide range of expression.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES | Musical Adventure for Children

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:00:01 GMT

We have a tale for you: for both children and adults. Neither short nor long, for those who love to listen to tales! Besides, isn’t quitting to listen to tales what gets a person older? A bit of dream, a bit of fancy, a bit of reality, a bit of lie: time does not pass without a tale. Who is good, who is bad, what is beautiful, what is ugly: how can a man make up his mind without tales? Once upon a time, it was and it wasn’t, it happened or it did not: can someone be without knowing any tales? How can one sleep at night, without a tale, how can life become even beautiful without a tale? We have a tale for you. For you to listen to and have fun, to look at and think, to watch and cheer up…

We have a play for you. For both those who are knowledgeable and those who are not: for those who are willing to learn once again although they already know! Besides, isn’t quitting to learn what gets a man older? A bit of mind, a bit of emotion, a bit of wit, a bit of intuition: time does not pass without a play. Who is happy, who is unhappy, who is hopeful, who is hopeless: how can a man understand himself without play? One is hard, one is a bird, one has fallen down, one has run away: can someone be without ever playing? Without a play, how can a dream come true, without a play, how can the world change? We have a play for you. For you to come and play with us, to play and find yourselves, play and love each other…

We have a story for you. The story of Snow White: Don’t get sad right away if you’ve listened to it so much. Besides isn’t supposing to know all what gets a man older? A bit of word, a bit of music, a bit of dance, a bit of imitation: time does not pass without theatre. Who is the same, who is different, who is unjust, who is right: how can a man distinguish between all these without a story? One is a servant, one is a queen, one is an ogre, one is a gnome: is it possible to imagine someone who doesn’t read any tales? Can someone be without reading a story? How boring life is without a story, how stale life is without music: we have a story for you, come, and let’s watch it together in spite of all the ugliness…

oh Snow White oh
time brings men all
don’t be afraid, don’t despair
just be strong and have faith
a man wins if he believes in himself

this should be a dream
a dream that I am in
neither logic nor reality
neither past nor future
a dream that I am in

POEMS BY BEDRİ RAHMİ EYÜBOĞLU | Man is Just Like the Sea

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Project by: Atilla Birkiye
Musical Director: Serdar Yalçın
Adapted to Stage by: Mehmet Birkiye
Poetry Read by: Tilbe Saran, Metin Belgin, Bülent Emin Yarar, Hakan Gerçek
Vocals: Zafer Erdaş

Both painter and poet, Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu (1911-1975) , developed a distinctive voice with his poems depicting the colors of nature, excitement and the joy of life.

“…we see him in a direct approach to the word. As in his paintings and ceramics he intended his poems to be beyond content , giving them a useful physical value. I guess that his poetry and art works to complete each other at this point.” (Cemal Süreya)

In a setting reminiscent of his atelier, a selected variety of Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu’s poems will be presented at the recital titled Man is Just Like the Sea.

SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE & ALISON BALSOM |

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 20:00:01 GMT

ALISON BALSOM trumpet

F. Mendelssohn String Symphony No. 10, MWV N11, B minor
A. Vivaldi Violin Concerto, RV 230, D Major (arrangement: Alison Balsom)
D. Shostakovich Chamber Symphony Op. 110a, C minor
J. MacMillan "Seraph" Concertino for Trumpet and Strings
M. Ravel Petit Symphony a Cordes

Versatile, enterprising and ambitious, the Scottish Ensemble is a tight-knit band of outstanding string players from Scotland and across Europe who perform regularly together. Drawing on the rich repertoire of music for strings, this adventurous group enjoys an enviable reputation for innovative commissioning and programming. Equally confident while performing in other musical genres, the group has also triumphed in successful projects with folk and electronic music specialists. The soloist of the night that shares the stage with the Scottish Ensemble is Alison Balsom. Recently crowned ‘Female Artist of the Year’ for the second time at the Classic BRITs, Balsom has cemented an international reputation as one of classical music’s great ambassadors and is ranked among the most distinctive and ground-breaking musicians on the international circuit today. Her highly distinctive sound earned her much recognition in her early career when she mainly reached her audience through radio broadcasts under the auspices of the “BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists” scheme. Honored with numerous awards by Classic FM, Gramophone and Echo Klassik, Alison Balsom is increasingly active in commissioning new works for trumpet as well as transcribing and arranging existing works for her instrument. At İş Sanat, Alison Balsom will make the debut of James MacMillan’s new work “Seraph” in Turkey. She gave the world premiere of this piece at Wigmore Hall, London in February 2011.

I MUSICI & GIULIANO CARMIGNOLA |

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:00:01 GMT

GIULIANO CARMIGNOLA violin

W. A. Mozart Serenade No. 13, K. 525, S Major, "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik"
G. Rossini "Sonata a quattro" No. 1, G Major
J. Haydn Concerto for Violin and Strings, Hob.VIIa:4, G Major
J. Haydn Concerto for Violin and Strings, Hob.VIIa:1, Do Major
G. Donizetti Allegro for Strings, C Major
W. A. Mozart Divertimento for Strings, K.136, D Major

İş Sanat is welcoming the oldest active chamber group I Musici.. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, I Musici has spread the knowledge on the eighteenth century Italian music, Vivaldi and the Four Seasons, recording for the first time ever Vivaldi's masterpiece and selling the astonishing number of more than 25 million copies in various editions, making it one of the most famous pieces in the musical repertoire. They made the first classic music movie in the 70’s, and recorded the first classic music Compact Disc for Philips. 12 soloists playing without a conductor , I Musici constantly impresses the audience with the ability to achieve the full sonority of a string orchestra without sacrificing the clarity and the utter precision of a string quartet. At İş SanatTthe spontaneous and meticulously polished performance of I Musici will accompany Giuliana Carmignola, one of the most important interpreters of modern and baroque violin. After establishing himself as an affirmed violinist in national and international competitions, Carmignola starts his career as a soloist under the conduction of Claudio Abbado, Eliahu Inbal, Peter Maag and Giuseppe Sinopoli, playing at the most important concert halls. Carmignola's wide discographic production has led him to collaborate with labels like Erato, Divox Antiqua, Sony and Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, with which he still has an exclusive contract. He has recently performed with the Mozart Orchestra, the Bremen Philharmonic, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Kammerorchester Basel and the Frankfurt Radio Orchestra.

AŞKIN NUR YENGİ |

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:00:00 GMT

One of the most acclaimed voices of Turkish pop music, Aşkın Nur Yengi meets with her fans at İş Sanat this month. Yengi stepped into the pop music scene as the back vocal of Sezen Aksu with Onno Tunç Orchestra at the age of 12. Her professional career began with her duett “Hadi Söyle” with Harun Kolçak at Eurovision Turkey eliminations in 1986. Winning two first prizes with the song “Yeniden” at Kuşadası Golden Pigeon Song Contest in 1987 and “Portakal Çiçeği” at Antalya Orange Music Competition in 1988, Aşkın Nur Yengi also brought the first prize to Turkey with the song “Artık Hiç Ağlama” at the International Çeşme Festival in 1989. Released in 1990, her debut album “Sevgiliye” broke the sales record in the second position which is followed by "Hesap Ver" in 1991, "Sıramı Bekliyorum" in 1993, "Kara Çiçeğim" in 1995, "Haberci" in 1997, "Aşk Kazası" in 1999, the single with Rafet El Roman "Peşindeyim" in 2000, “Aşkın Nur Yengi" in 2002, "Yasemin Yağmurları" in 2004, "Aşk'ın Şarkıları" at the end of 2007 and "Gözümün Bebeği" in 2011. Being one of the most requested artists at Turkish organizations abroad, Yengi has toured in all cites of Germany and gave many concerts in the United Kingdom, U.S.A., Switzerland and Sweden. Starring in many plays and TV projects including the series "Olacak O Kadar", “Kurtuluş", "Cesur Kuşku", "Bayanlar Baylar" and Levent Kırca Theatre’s play "Kadıncıklar", Aşkın Nur Yengi was also featured in the movie “Ömerçip”, directed by Zeki Alasya, co-starring with Mehmet Ali Erbil. Aşkın Nur Yengi will be presenting a special project at İş Sanat that blends her best loved songs and classical Turkish music works with classical Turkish and western music instruments.

MOSCOW VIRTUOSI & VLADIMIR SPIVAKOV |

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:00:01 GMT

VLADIMIR SPIVAKOV conductor/violin

D. Shostakovich Prelude and Scherzo
A. Vivaldi Violin Concerto, RV 273, E minor
D. Shostakovich Chamber Symphony, Op. 110a, C minor
P. I. Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, Op. 48, C Major

Founded by an outstanding virtuoso violinist, Vladimir Spivakov, with a group of his friends and artistic associates, mostly winners of international music competitions, as well as soloists and section leaders of the best Moscow symphonic and chamber orchestras in 1979, Moscow Virtuosi is one of the most distinguishedt guests of İş Sanat this season. The highest performance standard was set up from the very moment of the orchestra's establishment, which justified its claim for a rather ambitious, at a first glance, title of "Moscow Virtuosi". A really European manner of ensemble performance, concern for tiny details and nuances, solicitous and creative interpretation of author's concepts, bright artistic talent and love both for the pieces performed and for the audience make the "Moscow Virtuosi" orchestra so different from many other chamber orchestras. The finely-organized musical ensemble has its own performance style and a huge repertoire comprising Bach and Schnittke. Moscow Virtuosi will be led by Vladimir Spivakov, well known to orchestras and audiences alike as one of the leading violinists of our time. As the artistic director and principal conductor of the National Philharmonic of Russia, Spivakov enjoys a multifaceted career and will also take part as soloist at the İş Sanat concert.

BOBBY McFERRIN | Solo A Capella

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Here is one of the most exciting concerts of the season! 10 times Grammy award winner, world famous voice virtuoso Bobby McFerrin is coming to İş Sanat for a splendid solo concert. Recognized by many with his song “Don’t Worry Be Happy” which features no other instruments but his voice and which became global number one hit more than twenty years ago, Bobby McFerrin is a true legend. His four-octave vocal abilities and capacity for constant invention are on par with those of the greatest improvising instrumentalists, yet simultaneously the power, sophistication and soulfulness of his singing place him in a class of its own. His palette is every style of music he’s ever heard, a genuine cross-cultural cross-breed. It’s jazz, pop, R&B, classical and world music — or, more accurately, out-of-this-world music – all rolled into one, sometimes within the same song. Continuing to explore the musical universe with no boundaries, Bobby McFerrin’s concerts are not about supporting his latest release, but about the release of creative energy. He never seems to run out of new ideas, repeatedly discovering the creative spark within. His stunning rendition of the Bach prelude Ave Maria, his unparalleled interpretations of Beatles songs, his collaborations with everyone from cellist Yo-Yo Ma to pianist Chick Corea to comedian Robin Williams, conducting the Vienna Philharmonic and even consorting with the Muppets on Sesame Street roughly summarize his extraordinary music career. Do not miss this rare chance of witnessing this magnificent voice acrobat live!

MUNICH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & ALEXANDER LIEBREICH & VILDE FRANG |

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:00:01 GMT

ALEXANDER LIEBREICH conductor
VILDE FRANG violin

F. Mendelssohn Overture from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, Op. 21 & 61
M. Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Op.26, G minor
L. v. Beethoven Symphony No. 3, Op. 55; E flat Major, "Eroica"

Known for exceptional and unique concert programs, preserving their philosophy of "tradition and innovation” the Munich Chamber Orchestra will take part at İş Sanat this April. Having more than sixty appearances every year at concert halls throughout the world, the Munich Chamber Orchestra performs with renowned conductors and soloist such as Giovanni Antonini, Reinhard Goebel, Christine Schäfer, Matthias Goerne, Juliane Banse, Andreas Scholl, Christian Gerhaher, Viktoria Mullova, Thomas Zehetmair, Lisa Batiashvili, Janine Jansen, Kim Kashkashian, Steven Isserlis, Heinrich Schiff, Lars Vogt, Olli Mustonen and Sabine Meyer. Under the baton of their Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Alexander Liebreich who is regarded as a pioneer in a new generation of conductors, for whom the borderline between large symphony orchestras and smaller, more flexible ensembles comes just as naturally as their synthesis of artistic mastery and social responsibility, the orchestra will accompany exceptional violinist Vilde Frang. She has established a reputation as one of the most promising young soloists to emerge from Scandinavia in recent years after her debut with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of twelve. Under the tutelage of Anne Sophie Mutter, Frang has been supported by the Freundekreis founded by Mutter for 6 years . Vilde Frang performed at various festivals with distinguished artists such as Gidon Kremer, Yuri Bashmet, Martha Argerich, Renaud and Gautier Capucon, Leif Ove Andsnes, Truls Mörk and together with Anne-Sophie Mutter she has toured in Europe and the US, playing Bach's Double Concerto with the Camerata Salzburg.

GONZALO RUBALCABA TRIO |

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:00:01 GMT

GONZALO RUBALCABA piano MATTHEW BREWER bass ERNESTO SIMPSON drum

Gonzala Rubalcaba meets jazz lovers at İş Sanat. Having dedicated his music life to develop and reform Cuba culture’s originality and niceties, Gonzala Rubalcaba is regarded as one of the best Latin-jazz pianists of the present day with his sensitive musicianship and commanding technique. Starting his jazz career at beginning of the 80’s, he began attracting international attention in 1986. But the turning point in his career came with the chance of meeting Charlie Haden and releasing three highly acclaimed albums with his Cuban Quartet for the German label, Messidor which also brought him the attention of Toshiba/EMI and Blue Note Records. He even drew more attention with an unforgettable performance at Montreaux Jazz Festival with Haden and Paul Motian in 1990. With eight Grammy nominations under his belt, including four for “Jazz Album of the Year”, Rubalcaba has undoubtedly proven himself as established force in the modern Jazz world. Gonzalo- Rubalcaba’s music continues to evolve and will surely continue to draw inspiration from his Afro-Cuban heritage. In February 2009’ the Blue Note Record released his latest album Avatar which is a collection inspired originals with contributions from his young and talented new quintet.

JOHN WILLIAMS & JOHN ETHERIDGE |

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:00:01 GMT

In April, İş Sanat hosts a very special project that brings together two distinguished guitarists from two different genres, classic and jazz. For this original project that generates string music from different styles, John Williams, regarded as a foremost ambassador of the guitar shares the stage with John Etheridge, described by Pat Metheny as "one of the best guitarists in the world" for his eclectic style and interpretation.. Always having retained a desire to explore further the enticing combination of classical and steel-string guitar, John Williams got in contact with John Etheridge to realise this ambition of his which has the speciality to be a first. The project musically dips into the wellspring of the great African influences but it offers so much more, including solo sets, original compositions from both artists, music from Africa, the United States and a sensational and technically demanding suite, newly composed for the two Johns by the British composer, Paul Hart. This concert will be an unforgettable experience for both classical and jazz music lovers bringing together classical and acoustic guitars in an excellent balance.

ZURICH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & RUBEN GAZARIAN & SERGIO TIEMPO |

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:00:01 GMT

RUBEN GAZARIAN conductor
SERGIO TIEMPO piano

F. Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 11, E minor (version for string orchestra: Richard Hoffmann, 1877)
W.A. Mozart Divertimento for Strings, K.136, D Major
A. Dvorak Serenade for Strings, op. 22, E Major

Founded immediately after the Second World War, the Zurich Chamber Orchestra is now one of the leading ensembles of its kind and always manages to keep itself on the foreground with sensational advertisements and salient projects. Regular invitations to international festivals, performances in the major musical centers of Europe, extended concert tours through various European countries as well as the United States and China bear witness to the Zurich Chamber Orchestra’s worldwide reputation. Besides cultivating a broad repertoire ranging from baroque to classical and from romantic to contemporary music, the Zurich Chamber Orchestra not only frequently attracts attention by rediscovering forgotten composers such as Vanhal, Leitner and Swiss composers Ringger and Schnyder, but also by collaborating with musicians from other genres such as jazz, folk music and popular entertainment. Directed by Armenian conductor Ruben Gazarian, laureate of the 1st Sir Georg Solti International Conducting Competition in Frankfurt in 2002, the orchestra will accompany one of the outstanding pianists of his generation, Sergio Daniel Tiempo. The Argentine-Venezuelan pianist has quickly risen to international prominence since making his debut at age 14 on the "Great Pianists" series at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw in 1986. His awards include the 1986 “Alex De Vries Prize” of Belgium and four first prizes at the 1980 “Ealing Music Festival” in London, where, at age eight, he was honored with a special prize as the most talented participant in the competition, and the “Davidoff 2000 Prize” in Germany. Tiempo gave many concerts with renowned pianist Martha Argerich, who is also one of his staunchest supporters. Especially hailed for his interpretations of Ravel Gaspard de la Nuit and Chopin etudes, Tiempo also performs with her sister pianist Karin Lechner and famous cellist Mischa Maisky.

WDR BIG BAND COLOGNE & MAHLER CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & THOMAS QUASTHOFF |

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:00:01 GMT

The “Tribute to Ray Charles” concert on April 21st starring Thomas Quasthoff and Jocelyn B. Smith accompanied by WDR Köln Radio Big Band and Mahler Chamber Orchestra is cancelled after Thomas Quasthoff’s decision to end his career due to health problems.

Tickets can be returned until march 30th 2012 at Biletix Sales Points and İş Sanat box Office

MICHEAL ABENE conductor
THOMAS QUASTHOFF baritone
JOCELYN B. SMITH vocal

A Tribute to Ray Charles

A world famous bass-baritone, a soul music diva, a chamber orchestra and a big band ensemble join their forces at İş İş Sanat with a splendid project. Recognized as one of the most remarkable singers of his generation, German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff turns his attention to the great Ray Charles, with a fitting tribute. Besides appearing frequently with the world’s leading orchestras such as the Berlin and the Vienna Philharmonic as a classical singer, Quasthoff at the same time maintains an exceptional career as a jazz singer. In this project, Quasthoff will be joined by the New York based soul diva , Jocelyn B. Smith with her vigorous voice, known by Turkish audience for her interpretations of Zülfü Livaneli songs. Also supported by Mahler Chamber Orchestra, The WDR Big Band Cologne and Grammy winner conductor, pianist and composer Micheal Abene, Quasthoff will pay a homage to the legend of soul with classic interpretations of “You Are My Sunshine”, “Over the Rainbow” or “Basin Street Blues”, offering a true jazz feast for music lovers.

MADREDEUS |

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:00:00 GMT

This month İş Sanat is hosting Madredeus, one of the most successful projects on the Portuguese music scene. Defining their music that blends fado with contemporary folk music as “musical fantasies preserving Portuguese roots”, Madredeus delivers its live performances in a musical poetry atmosphere from the very beginning. Integrating their music with the notion of ‘saudade’ of Portuguese culture which designates a sorrowful but hopeful longing for past moments or something left behind, Madredeus’ lyrics are often melancholic and related to the sea or travelling or absence, continuing a tradition of songs that dates back to Medieval times. Madredues released several albums and became very popular in Portugal, but remained relatively unknown outside the country, till in 1994 when director Wim Wenders, impressed by their music, asked Madredeus to perform in his movie Lisbon Story - the soundtrack gave the band international fame. Madredeus then consequently toured Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. With their debut album “Os Dias da MadreDeus” dated back 1987 and the subsequent ones, Madredeus has sold over 3 million copy worldwide. The group has abandoned its Fado roots with the release of “O Paraíso” in 1997. Today, Madredeus is celebrating its 27 years of brilliant career with a new line-up. “We intend to present a show that travels through our entire repertoire” say the group members for their national and international concert tour in 2012 and also this year they are planning to release a new album that should include new material and also re-workings of classic songs. One of the concerts of this season at İş Sanat which is absolutely not to miss…

DEUTSCHE KAMMERPHILHARMONIE BREMEN & TREVOR PINNOCK & MARIA JOÃO PIRES |

Sun, 06 May 2012 20:00:01 GMT

TREVOR PINNOCK conductor
MARIA JOÃO PIRES piano

C.P.E. Bach Symphony, Wq 183/4, G Major
L. van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 37, C minor
J. Haydn Overture "Armida"
F. Schubert Symphony No. 5, D 485, B flat Major

With its unique and refreshing style of musical interpretation, combined with an unerring instinct for imaginative, well thought-out programs, The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen concert is one of the concerts that shouldn’t be missed at İş Sanat this season. The highly motivated chamber music-like approach of each player enables the ensemble to present outstanding concerts, even without a conductor. The orchestra's rich repertoire ranges from baroque to contemporary music and collaboration with specialists in specific genres has been a characteristic feature of the ensemble from the start. The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen will perform under the baton of Trevor Pinnock, known worldwide as a harpsichordist and a conductor who pioneered the performance on historical instruments with his own orchestra, The English Concert, which he founded in 1972. Pinnock maintains a multifaceted career as a conductor, soloist, and chamber musician and also with his educational projects. The soloist of the night is Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires, who will record Beethoven Piano Concertos for Deutsche Grammophon with Pinncok in the near future. Pires achieved an international recognition upon winning the first prize at the Brussels “Beethoven International Competition” in 1970. Her recordings of the Chopin nocturnes are selected as the best version available by Gramophone magazine. Maria João Pires continues to perform with the world’s leading orchestras including Vienna Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw, Berlin Philharmonic and London Philharmonic. She is also a keen performer of chamber music.

BBC PHILARMONIC |

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:00:01 GMT

D. Shostakovich
Concert for violoncello and orchestra No. 1 in E flat major, op. 107

G. Mahler
Symphony No. 5 in c sharp minor

In May, İş Sanat is hosting The BBC Philharmonic, acknowledged as one of the UK’s finest orchestras. The BBC Philharmonic was founded in 1934 as the BBC Northern Orchestra, and changed its name to the BBC Philharmonic in 1982. After nearly a decade of thrilling music making in Manchester, chief conductor Gianandrea Noseda steped down in September 2011 while the Spanish conductor Juanjo Mena became chief conductor designate and begun his tenure in the 2011/12 season. Mena is one of Spain’s most highly regarded conductors, working regularly with all the major orchestras in his home country including the Orquesta Nacional de España, Orquesta Sinfonica RTVE, Orquesta y Coro de Comunidad de Madrid, and the orchestras of Seville, Granada and Gran Canaria. The soloist of the night is a second time guess of İş Sanat this season, Sol Gabetta who is regarded one the best cellists in our time with her captivating performances.

ANGELIKA KIRCHSCHLAGER & GAUTIER CAPUÇON & HELMUT DEUTSCH | VIRTUOSO

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:00:01 GMT

ANGELIKA KIRCHSCHLAGER mezzo-soprano
GAUTIER CAPUÇON cello
HELMUT DEUTSCH piano

The program is to be announced later.

Three very exceptional names come together for a very special concert at İş Sanat. Internationally recognized as one of the foremost interpreters of Richard Strauss and Mozart, Angelika Kirchschlager, cellist Gauter Capuçon and lied accompanist Helmut Deutch are the last guests of classical concert and Virtuoso series this season. Winner of the prestigious 2010 “Echo Klassik Award” for her CD ‚Schumann Lieder as “Best Song Recording”, the Austrian mezzo-soprano shows the vast variety of her voice in title roles of operas such as Pelleas et Melisande, Sophie’s Choice and The Rape of Lucretia. One of the names that will accompany Kirchschlager at the concert is Gautier Capuçon. Winner of the First Prizes in the “Maurice Ravel Music Academy of Saint-Jean-de Luz” and in the “André Navarra Competition” in Toulouse, Gautier Capuçon received the “Cello and Chamber Music Prizes” at the CNSMP and was selected “New Talent of the Year 2001” by French “Victoires de la Musique”. Passionate about chamber music, he performs with distinguished artists such as Martha Argerich, Daniel Barenboim, Yuri Bashmet, Renaud Capuçon, Frank Braley, Stephen Kovacevich, Katia and Marielle Labèque, Emmanuel Pahud, Viktoria Mullova, Vadim Repin and Maxim Vengerov. The other accompanist of the concert is Helmut Deutsch .Starting his lied accompanist career playing for the famous soprano Irmgard Seefried, Deutsch is known as the accompanist of top artists today. He has played for many world renowned instrumentalists and is involved in all forms of chamber music. Helmut Deutsch is a frequent guest at the important music centers and festivals throughout the world and appears on many prize-winning recordings.