Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra is preparing for the new season

The Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra will open the 2026-2027 art season on October 9 with a concert featuring Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki as soloist, under the baton of Conductor Duncan Ward.

Season Opening and Closing Concerts

The official opening of the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra's 2026-2027 season will take place on October 9 at 20:00 with Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki. At the opening concert, conducted by Duncan Ward, E. Grieg's Piano Concerto and S. Prokofiev's 5th Symphony will be presented to music lovers.

The season finale will be held on the evening of May 28 with pianist Bruce Liu. At the closing concert, conducted by Samy Rachid, Beethoven's 4th Piano Concerto and Symphonic Dances from L. Bernstein's West Side Story will be performed.

Names to Take the Stage Throughout the Season

Throughout the season, important conductors from different generations such as Ion Marin, Marzena Diakun, Sascha Goetzel, Rengim Gökmen, Howard Griffiths, Ryan McAdams, Anna Rakitina, and Lionel Bringuier will lead the orchestra on stage.

The soloist roster will feature renowned artists such as Baiba Skride, Bruce Liu, Daniel Lozakovich, Ettore Pagano, Florin Iliescu, Jan Lisiecki, Jan Mráček, Joao Barradas, and Juliana Grigoryan.

Works of Turkish Composers Will Be Performed

Works by Turkish composers also hold an important place in IDSO's new season program. The Teachers' Day Concert on November 27 will meet the audience with Ulvi Cemal Erkin's 1st Symphony, conducted by Rengim Gökmen.

As part of the December 18 İsmet İnönü Commemoration Concert, Cemal Reşit Rey's work 'Enstantaneler' and Erkin's Violin Concerto will be performed, while the world premiere of Turgay Erdener's Harp Concerto will take place at the January 8 concert.

Tour to be Held in Slovenia

Continuing its international activities in the 2026-2027 season, the orchestra will give two concerts at Gallus Hall in Slovenia on February 10 and 11, 2027.

In the first concert of the tour, conducted by Alfonso Scarano, Veriko Tchumburidze, Can Saraç, and IDSO cellist Poyraz Baltacıgil will take part as soloists.