From today until the 13th July, audiences will be enthralled by the 8th International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival, which is being organized by the General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet under the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The festival, which is taking place at the famous Ephesus Ancient Theatre, one of the most amazing outdoor theaters in the world, offers a rich fusion of classical and modern acts in an enduring environment.
Swan Lake Opens the Festival
One of the most well-known pieces in the traditional ballet repertory, “Swan Lake,” will open this year’s festival. Under the guidance of conductor Tolga Taviş, the İzmir State Opera and Ballet will present the show on June 27th and 28th. Internationally renowned dancers Daniil Simkin, principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater and Berlin State Ballet, and Berlin honorary dancer Iana Salenko will play the main roles, adding to the ancient theater’s charm and providing a top-notch rendition of this classic
ballet.
The festival’s impressive schedule, which honors both history and innovation in the performing arts, continues after its grand opening. Mozart’s “The Abduction” from the Seraglio, a lively opera full of comedy and emotional depth, will be performed by the Mersin State Opera and Ballet on July 2nd. Orkhan Hashimov will command the orchestra, and Caner Akın will direct the production.
Carmina Burana
On July 5th, Carl Orff’s dramatic cantata “Carmina Burana” will echo through the ruins, performed by the İzmir State Opera and Ballet. Under the musical direction of Vladimir Lungu and choral direction of Orhan Öner Özcan, the piece promises an intense and immersive experience at stunning Ephesus.
Aşk-ı Memnu
On July 8th, “Aşk-ı Memnu” (“Forbidden Love”), a modern opera based on the beloved novel by Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil, will deepen the festival’s narrative. Under the musical direction of Hakan Kalkan and the staging of Reyhan Süme, the Antalya State Opera and Ballet will perform the performance, which will provide a contemporary telling of this intensely moving tale.
La Traviata
Verdi’s “La Traviata” will be performed by the Samsun State Opera and Ballet on July 11th. World-renowned Serbian baritone Zeljko Lucic will make a special appearance as Giorgio Germont, providing an evening of operatic splendor. The performance will be accompanied by the Izmir State Opera and Ballet Orchestra.
Izmir State Opera and Ballet
With a special children’s show, this year’s event also caters to younger people. “Şekeronya,” a children’s musical, will be presented by the Izmir State Opera and Ballet at the Bornova Culture and Arts Center on June 29th. The programme, which has two performances that day, hopes to encourage young audiences to appreciate reading and music. The play, which has a libretto by Zeynep Ergüven and music by Murat Cem Orhan, was written especially to promote children’s reading habits through captivating
music and storytelling.
Zorba as the Grand Finale
Zorba, a ballet choreographed by Lorca Massine and inspired on the music of Mikis Theodorakis, will mark the festival’s conclusion on July 13th. This emotionally powerful ballet, performed by the Ankara State Opera and Ballet, embodies the spirit of freedom, passion, and resiliency. It serves as a fitting capstone to a festival that is anchored in both creative vitality and cultural history.
Source: Daily Sabah
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