Borusan Sanat

A widely recognized and acclaimed orchestra in Europe: BIPO

The history of the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra (BIPO), one of Türkiye’s leading symphonic ensembles, dates back to the Borusan Chamber Orchestra—Borusan Holding’s first initiative in the field of arts and culture. Founded in 1999 under the direction of Gürer Aykal, and led between 2009 and 2020 by Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Sascha Goetzel, BIPO has become an indispensable part of Istanbul’s cultural life through its concerts featuring world-renowned soloists.

In July 2010, under Goetzel’s direction, the orchestra performed at the opening events of the Salzburg Festival—one of the world’s most prestigious classical music festivals—and was awarded “Best Orchestra of the Year” by Andante magazine in the same year. In 2014, BIPO made history as the first Turkish orchestra invited to the BBC Proms in London, receiving highly positive reviews for its concert titled Oriental Promise. From 2023 until July 2026, Carlo Tenan served as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor.

The orchestra has continued to strengthen its international presence through successful tours and performances. In February 2016, it embarked on a European tour from Vienna to Germany, receiving critical acclaim. In 2017, it performed two concerts at the Hong Kong Arts Festival and completed a successful European tour with Daniel Hope and Vadim Repin. In 2018, the orchestra received international praise for its performance at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the final stop of its European tour with Nemanja Radulović.

In 2025, BIPO performed five concerts across the United Kingdom (Perth, Edinburgh, London, Guildford, and Sheffield), accompanying cellist Pablo Ferrández under the baton of Carlo Tenan, and received standing ovations lasting several minutes. In the same year, the orchestra performed in Hamburg and Flensburg as part of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, accompanying Fazıl Say, and became the first Turkish orchestra to perform at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg.

Since its inaugural 2000–2001 season, BIPO has performed regularly in Istanbul and has participated in music festivals in Istanbul, Ankara, Eskişehir, and Ruse (Bulgaria), as well as giving special concerts in Athens and Brussels. Between 2003 and 2018, the orchestra served as the resident orchestra of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), performing opening concerts of the Istanbul Music Festival and accompanying leading soloists. It also continues to serve as the orchestra for the International Leyla Gencer Voice Competition, organized by IKSV, Borusan Sanat, and the La Scala Academy.

Under Sascha Goetzel’s leadership between 2009 and 2020, BIPO expanded both its repertoire and artistic vision, intensifying its efforts to become one of Europe’s leading symphonic ensembles. Its first CD, released under the Onyx label in 2010 and featuring works by Respighi, Hindemith, and Schmitt, received international acclaim. This was followed by Music from the Machine Age in 2012, a third album in 2014 featuring works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Balakirev, Erkin, and Ippolitov-Ivanov, and a fourth album in 2018 titled Turnage & Berlioz.

In 2016, the orchestra collaborated with Ksenija Sidorova on its first album with Deutsche Grammophon, followed by further collaborations with Nemanja Radulović in 2017 (Tchaikovsky) and 2018 (Baïka). In 2023, BIPO recorded the album Richard with tenor Daniel Behle under the direction of Thomas Rösner, released by Prospero. In May 2025, an album featuring works by Bartók, Enescu, Kodály, and Martinů, conducted by Carlo Tenan and recorded by Onyx, was released on all digital platforms.

As of the 2025/26 season, BIPO concerts are held at Lütfi Kırdar. Starting with the January 2026 New Year’s Concert, performances have taken place at the newly renamed Lütfi Kırdar Asım Kocabıyık Anatolian Auditorium, honoring Borusan Group’s Founder and Honorary Chairman Asım Kocabıyık.

A radio where sounds and colors never fade

Borusan Klasik, Türkiye’s first and only internet-based classical music radio station, began broadcasting in January 2013. Accessible via karnaval.com and the Borusan Sanat mobile application, the platform offers listeners both daily programming and live broadcasts of Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra concerts throughout the season.