Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra

BORUSAN ISTANBUL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

2025/26 PROGRAMME

OPENING CONCERT

9 OCTOBER 2025, THU – 20.00
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CARLO TENAN conductor

ILYA MAXSIMOV piano

KABALEVSKY Colas Breugnon Ouverture, op.24a                            

SHOSTAKOVICH Piano Concerto no.2 in F Major, op.102

HAYDN Symphony no.100 in G Major, “Militärsinfonie”

MARZOCCHI Five Songs from Shkodër, for orchestra

*World premiere. Commissioned by Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra (BIPO) launches its 2025/26 season under the baton of Carlo Tenan, joined by pianist Ilya Maximov in a performance of exceptional artistry. Maximov, who made his concerto debut at the age of just eight with the Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Orchestra, pursued his studies at the Gnessin Music Institute in Moscow, the Liceu Conservatory in Barcelona, and later at the Royal College of Music in London with Dmitry Alexeev. He has been a prize-winner at prestigious competitions including the G.B. Viotti International Piano Competition, Maria Canals and Hilton Head, and has performed with leading ensembles such as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Orchestra of Teatro Carlo Felice and the Wuhan Symphony Orchestra.

The work with which the orchestra and its audience will together celebrate the opening is Five Songs from Shkodër, commissioned by BIPO. Its composer, Paolo Marzocchi, despite his classical training, consistently displays an experimental and versatile approach to music, producing works across theatre, cinema, radio, and “pure” composition. His catalogue includes piano, chamber and orchestral works created in collaboration with such acclaimed institutions as the Lucerne Festival, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Teatro La Fenice in Venice, the Rome Opera House, the Venice Biennale and the Toscanini Philharmonic Orchestra. According to the composer’s message to BIPO’s audience ahead of the world premiere, Five Songs from Shkodër seeks to unite the traditions of Turkish music with those of Southern Europe, promising to win the hearts of listeners.

HOMAGE TO SAYGUN

6 NOVEMBER 2025, THU – 20.00
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GÜRER AYKAL conductor

MARC COPPEY violoncello

KOROİSTANBUL

KÜBRA ŞENYAYLAR chorusmaster

SAYGUN Violoncello Concerto, op.74

BARTÓK Concerto for Orchestra, Sz.116

SAYGUN Manastır Türküsü

The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of its honorary conductor Gürer Aykal, invites you to an unforgettable concert dedicated to honouring our pioneering composer, musicologist, and educator Ahmed Adnan Saygun. The evening’s soloist will be the distinguished French cello virtuoso Marc Coppey, celebrated for his commanding technique.

Saygun’s Cello Concerto, in which he masterfully unites national colours with a modern orchestral language, will be brought to life through Coppey’s interpretation. One of the 20th century’s most influential composers, Béla Bartók—who, together with Saygun, conducted folk music research in Anatolia—will be represented by one of his most beloved works, the Concerto for Orchestra. With its energetic rhythms, themes inspired especially by Hungarian folk music, and rich orchestration, the work promises to captivate listeners. Saygun’s Manastır Türküsü, likewise rooted in the distinctive traditions of Anatolia, will bring the concert to a powerful conclusion in the interpretation of Koro Istanbul under the baton of the brilliant young conductor Kübra Şenyaylar.

This special programme offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the cultural bridges that inspired masters such as Saygun and Bartók, and to experience how national melodies found new resonance within the musical language of the 20th century.

METAMORPHOSES AND ECHOES

11 DECEMBER 2025, THU – 20.00

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BARBARA HANNIGAN conductor, soprano

R. STRAUSS Metamorphosen

POULENC La Voix humaine

Barbara Hannigan, widely recognised as one of the most compelling interpreters of modern music, appears on stage in her dual role as conductor and soprano. Bringing together Strauss’s masterpiece Metamorphosen and Poulenc’s unforgettable monodrama La Voix Humaine (The Human Voice), she offers a programme that explores transformation, solitude and the expressive limits of the human voice. The concert opens with Richard Strauss’s Metamorphosen, composed under the shadow of the Second World War. Written for strings, the work portrays inner transformation as both a deeply personal and a collective expression of grief.

In the second half, the spotlight falls on Hannigan’s extraordinary interpretation of Francis Poulenc’s dramatic monodrama La Voix Humaine. The story of a woman experiencing love, abandonment and loneliness through a telephone call comes to life with striking theatrical intensity in Hannigan’s voice. For this special performance, she is joined by Delphine Dussaux as pianist and music assistant, and by Clemens Malinowski with video artistry. From the profound sorrow of Strauss to the fragile drama of Poulenc, Barbara Hannigan’s unique artistry unites these contrasting worlds in an unforgettable evening that pushes the boundaries of voice and music.

NEW YEAR’S CONCERT

15 JANUARY 2026, THU – 20.00
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CARLO TENAN conductor

JAN LISIECKI piano

MOZART Piano Concerto no.9 in E flat Major, KV 271 “Jeunehomme"
TCHAIKOVSKY Eugene Onegin, op.24, Act 3: Polonaise

GLAZUNOV Concert Waltz no.1, op.47
ROSSINI La gazza ladra Ouverture
PUCCINI Le Villi: La tregenda

OFFENBACH Barcarolle from The Tales of Hoffmann
ROSSINI Guillaume Tell Ouverture

In this New Year’s Concert, the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra brings together Mozart’s youthful brilliance, Russian Romanticism, elegant French opera, and Rossini’s inimitable overtures. The evening’s soloist will be Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki, who from an early age has performed with leading orchestras and stunned audiences with his refined and profound interpretations. A young star of extraordinary maturity, he first attracted international attention at the age of thirteen with his acclaimed recording of Chopin’s piano concertos released on the EMI label. He later became a Deutsche Grammophon artist, receiving high praise for his interpretations of Mozart, Schumann, Chopin and Mendelssohn. Having performed with many of the world’s foremost ensembles—including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, London Symphony and Dresden Staatskapelle—Lisiecki is regarded as one of the most brilliant young virtuosos of our time, admired for his elegant technique, poetic sensitivity and engaging stage presence.

The programme opens with one of Mozart’s most distinctive works, the Piano Concerto no.9, “Jeunehomme”. With its virtuosic parts for piano and melodic richness, the concerto creates a bridge between the Classical era and Romantic expression, brought to life here through Lisiecki’s interpretation. In the second half of the evening, audiences will be swept into the joy of the New Year with a colourful selection evoking the spirit of theatre and dance.

A SYMPHONIC FAREWELL: BRUCKNER

22 JANUARY 2026, PRŞ – 20.00
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CHRISTOPH ESCHENBACH conductor

BRUCKNER Symphony no.7 in E Major

The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra will conclude 2025 with an unforgettable concert, under the direction of Christoph Eschenbach, one of today’s most admired conductors, the orchestra will perform Anton Bruckner’s monumental masterpiece, the Symphony no.7. Eschenbach began his career as a pianist in Paris, studying with Jeanine Vinhauer and George Szell, and gained international recognition in 1965 after winning the Clara Haskil Competition. He later turned to conducting, serving as conductor of such prestigious ensembles as the Houston Symphony, NDR Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C.

Among Bruckner’s most frequently performed and celebrated works, the Seventh Symphony reflects the composer’s admiration for Wagner and his mystical sound world, shifting between radiance and shadow. With its rich string textures, majestic brass and lyrical themes, it stands as one of the high points of the symphonic repertoire. In Eschenbach’s distinguished interpretation, this work—often associated with reflection and transcendence—promises the audience a deeply compelling musical experience.

TRACING HISTORY AND PASSION

5 FEBRUARY 2026, THU – 20.00
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MARTIJN DANDEVIEL conductor

MARIA MEEROVITCH piano *

OMAR TOMASONI trumpet ∆

TCHAIKOVSKY 1812 Ouverture in E flat Major, op.49

SHOSTAKOVICH Concerto for Piano, Trumpet & String Orchestra in C minor, no.1, op.35 * ∆

PROKOFIEV Romeo & Juliet Suite

In its first concert of the new year, the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra presents a powerful programme that brings together some of the most striking works of the 19th and 20th centuries. Guest conductor Martijn Dandeviel is regarded as one of Europe’s rising maestros, noted for energetic command of the podium and imaginative interpretations of contemporary repertoire. His meticulous attention to detail in Classical and Romantic works, combined with his innovative approach to 20th-century music, has led to remarkable projects with a variety of orchestras. With a dynamic style and a strong stage presence, he is particularly recognised for programmes that offer a wide dramatic range.

Among the evening’s soloists, Russian pianist Maria Meerovitch stands out for her musical sensitivity and refined interpretations. Following international competition successes, she has performed with many of Europe’s leading orchestras. Italian trumpeter Omar Tomasoni, admired for his brilliant tone and virtuosic technique, has established himself through compelling performances across both solo and orchestral repertoire. Together, Meerovitch and Tomasoni will bring Shostakovich’s youthful Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings to life, capturing both its ironic humour and its dramatic intensity.

FROM MOZART TO HUNGARIAN MELODIE

26 FEBRUARY 2026, THU – 20.00
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CARLO TENAN conductor

FRANÇOIS-FRÉDÉRICK GUY piano

HAYDN L'anima del filosofo (ossia Orfeo ed Euridice) Ouverture

MOZART Piano Concerto no.22, KV 482 (cadenzas: Britten)

BARTÓK Dance Suite, Sz.77

KODÁLY Galántai táncok (Dances of Galánta)
BRAHMS Hungarian Dance no.1

The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra presents a programme that ranges from the Classical era to the Hungarian colours of the 20th century, offering its audience one of the season’s most memorable musical journeys. Under the baton of Carlo Tenan, the programme will feature French pianist François-Frédérick Guy as soloist, celebrated internationally for his interpretations of Mozart and Beethoven.

After graduating from the Paris Conservatoire, Guy swiftly went on to perform with many of Europe’s leading orchestras and earned wide acclaim for his performances of Beethoven’s piano sonatas and concertos. His musicality, poetic expression and wide-ranging repertoire have secured his reputation as one of today’s foremost interpreters.

FROM STRAUSS TO SHOSTAKOVICH

12 MARCH 2026, THU – 20.00
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CARLO TENAN conductor

SHOSTAKOVICH Russian and Kyrgyz Folk Themes Ouverture, op.115
MARTINŮ The Frescoes of Piero della Francesca
R. STRAUSS Intermezzo op.72 (TrV 246)
ENESCU Romanian Rhapsodies op.11, no.1
R. STRAUSS Salome, op.54, Dance of the Seven Veils (TrV 215)

The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Carlo Tenan, invites the audience on an intercultural journey in this concert, presenting a wide musical panorama that extends from the roots of folk music to the enchantment of opera. The programme opens with Shostakovich’s Ouverture on Russian and Kyrghyz Folk Themes, a work that transforms the vitality of folk melodies into a modern orchestral language.

Bohuslav Martinů’s The Frescoes of Piero della Francesca follows, offering a rarely heard symphonic tableau that translates the visual splendour of the Renaissance into music. Richard Strauss’s lyrical Intermezzo then takes its place at the heart of the concert, creating an atmosphere of elegance and intimacy. George Enescu’s exuberant Romanian Rhapsody no.1 combines folkloric melodies with orchestral grandeur, leading to the finale. The concert concludes with the dramatic and captivating Dance of the Seven Veils from Strauss’s sensational opera Salome, providing a powerful close to the evening.

CONNECTING HORIZONS

9 APRIL 2026, THU – 20.00
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GÜRER AYKAL conductor

FERHAT CAN BÜYÜK piano

SIBELIUS Finlandia, op.26            

BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto no.4 in B flat Major, op.60

SAYGUN Symphony no.5, op.70

The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of its honorary conductor Gürer Aykal, presents its second concert of the season with a programme that unites national identity and universal art. The evening’s soloist is Ferhat Can Büyük, a young pianist distinguished by technical mastery and lyrical expressiveness. Having achieved recognition both in Türkiye and abroad, the pianist is especially noted for performances of Classical and Romantic repertoires.

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no.4, one of the composer’s most poetic and innovative works, will allow Ferhat Can Büyük to display both interpretative refinement and musical maturity. Ahmed Adnan Saygun’s Symphony no.5, which weaves the weft of folk motifs into a symphonic warp, represents the composer’s artistic maturity and brings together national roots with a universal musical language.

MELODIES OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

16 APRIL 2026, THU – 20.00
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CARLO TENAN conductor

DANIEL HOPE violin

ELGAR Violin Concerto in B minor, op.61

SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony no.6 in B minor, op.54

ROTA La Passerella d’addio, from the film 8½ (Otto e mezzo)

The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra brings together three distinct musical worlds in this concert, uniting the pinnacle of English Romanticism in Elgar, the irony of the Soviet spirit in Shostakovich, and the unforgettable voice of cinema in Rota. The evening’s soloist is Daniel Hope, widely regarded as one of today’s foremost violin virtuosos. Having made an early debut at the invitation of Anne-Sophie Mutter, and later nurtured under the mentorship of Yehudi Menuhin, Hope has since appeared with leading orchestras and conductors worldwide. As a versatile artist, he is celebrated for profound interpretations of the classical repertoire, for his collaborations with contemporary composers, and for interdisciplinary projects. Through his artistic directorship of festivals and his socially engaged initiatives, he is recognised not only as a violin virtuoso but also as a cultural ambassador.

The programme opens with Edward Elgar’s Violin Concerto in B minor, one of the most moving and majestic works in English music history. Combining virtuosic brilliance with lyrical expression, the concerto is regarded as Elgar’s most personal outpouring of emotion. Hope’s refined yet powerful performance will illuminate the full dramatic intensity of this masterpiece. In the second half, Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra performs Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony no.6, completed in 1939 and considered one of his most original works for its break with conventional symphonic forms. The concert concludes with Nino Rota’s La Passerella d’addio from the iconic Fellini film 8½ (Otto e mezzo), a reminder of the timeless melodies the composer bequeathed to cinema.

FOUR COMPOSERS, FOUR VISIONS

7 MAY 2026, THU – 20.00
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FRANTIŠEK MACEK conductor

SALİH CAN GEVREK piano

MOZART Serenade no.6 in D Major, KV 239, “Serenata notturna”

HAYDN Sinfonia concertante in B flat Major, op.84

LOPATNIKOFF Festival Ouverture, op.40

SHOR From My Bookshelf (concert version: Mikhail Pletnev)

The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra appears on stage under the direction of conductor František Macek, with young pianist Salih Can Gevrek as soloist, in a distinctive programme that brings together classical and modern works. Pianist Gevrek, recognised for elegant technique and poetic interpretations, studied at the Ankara State Conservatory before continuing his education at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London with Prof. Joan Havill. He has achieved success in numerous national and international competitions and has performed at such prestigious venues as London’s Wigmore Hall and the Barbican Centre.

The contemporary strand of this programme is highlighted by Festival Overture by Nikolai Lopatnikoff, one of the lesser-known yet striking figures of the 20th century. Following this modernist work, woven with rhythmic vitality and vivid textures, the evening concludes with Alexey Shor’s “From My Bookshelf”, performed in the concert version arranged by the renowned pianist, conductor and composer Mikhail Pletnev.

BEETHOVEN 9

14 MAY 2026, THU – 20.00
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CARLO TENAN conductor

ENKELEDA KAMANI soprano

DENİZ UZUN mezzosoprano

İLKER ARCAYÜREK tenor

LI HUANHONG bass

TRANSYLVANIA STATE PHILHARMONIC CHOIR

 CORNEL GROZA chorusmaster

BEETHOVEN Symphony no.9 in D minor, op.125

The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Carlo Tenan, crowns the season with a magnificent finale. In this concert, the orchestra performs Beethoven’s Symphony no.9 with four distinguished soloists and the Transylvania State Philharmonic Choir, one of Romania’s most established ensembles. Founded in 1972, the choir has become a cornerstone of the Transylvanian Philharmonic tradition and is renowned for its mastery of the large-scale vocal-symphonic repertoire.

Albanian soprano Enkeleda Kamani, a graduate with high distinction from the University of Arts in Tirana, rose to prominence after winning the AsLiCo competition for young opera singers and being admitted to the La Scala Academy. Acclaimed for her interpretations of roles such as Pamina, Gilda and Violetta, she appears regularly on Europe’s leading stages. Mezzosoprano Deniz Uzun, a Turkish-German prodigy, was born in Mannheim and studied in Karlsruhe and Mannheim before completing an Artist Diploma at the Jacobs School of Music. Her experience with the ensembles of the Bavarian State Opera and Zurich Opera has been further distinguished by successes including first prize at the 2022 Elizabeth Connell International Singing Competition and the 2021 Éva Marton Award. Tenor İlker Arcayürek, celebrated for his “golden tenor” timbre, is another artist of distinction, recognised as a finalist in BBC Cardiff’s Singer of the World and named a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist. Bass Li Huanhong, winner of the 2024 Leyla Gencer Singing Competition and a graduate of Accademia alla Scala, has garnered notice with performances at La Scala and across Europe.

“Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, in which the composer so uniquely gave voice to his ideal of humanity, will, together with BIPO and its guest artists, resound once more from Istanbul to the world at the season’s finale, proclaiming a message of brotherhood and peace.