With Borusan’s Support, Music Filled the City: The 53rd Istanbul Music Festival United the City’s Sound with the Color of Music

Sponsored by Borusan Holding, the 53rd Istanbul Music Festival once again brought the city together through music. Featuring world-class artists and orchestras, the festival concluded with an impressive performance by the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra (BIPO).

As a long-time supporter since the festival’s inception, Borusan Holding continues to contribute to Turkey’s cultural and artistic landscape as both the Festival Sponsor and Festival Supporter of the Istanbul Music Festival, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV). This year’s edition, held between June 11–26, hosted some of the most prominent figures in classical music and internationally renowned orchestras, offering audiences unforgettable musical experiences. Borusan Sanat also participated as a Major Supporting Institution of the festival.

Spanning 13 venues across Istanbul, the 53rd Istanbul Music Festival was held under the theme “Beyond Borders”, celebrating the universal language of music and uniting exceptional artists with art lovers. A total of 19 concerts were performed, attracting nearly 16,000 classical music enthusiasts.

 

BIPO Crowned the Festival with Rossini’s Masterpiece

For 25 years, the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra (BIPO)—one of Turkey’s leading symphonic ensembles and an integral part of Istanbul’s cultural life—has been a highlight of the festival. This year, BIPO brought the event to a magnificent close with a Rossini Night concert sponsored by Borusan Holding as the Main Show Supporter.

Under the baton of its Principal Conductor Carlo Tenan, BIPO performed Gioachino Rossini’s “Petite Messe Solennelle” (Small Solemn Mass), one of the masterworks of the classical repertoire, written 34 years after the composer retired from opera and referred to by Rossini himself as “the last of my sins of old age.”

The emotionally stirring performance featured the award-winning Slovak Philharmonic Choir and four acclaimed soloists:

• Claudia Pavone (soprano, Italy)
• Tamar Ugrekhelidze (mezzo-soprano, Georgia)
• Juan Francisco Gatell (tenor, Argentina)
• Nahuel Di Pierro (bass, Argentina)

 

Borusan’s Enduring Contribution to Classical Music

Borusan’s involvement in the Istanbul Music Festival goes far beyond sponsorship. The Group plays an active role in ensuring the continuity of classical music and sustaining the festival’s legacy, while helping to make music more accessible to wider audiences.

Through its ongoing support, Borusan continues to enrich Turkey’s cultural and artistic life—bringing the city’s voice and the color of music together in harmony.