Now that Summer season is upon us we have began to see a variety of festivals happening across Turkey. Live musical shows and dance festivals are being performed on some of Turkey’s most historical sites. There is much to look forward too.
Performing at the anicent theatre in Antalya’s Aspendos is Anadolu Atesi, which means Fire of Anatolia. This fantastic, energetic dance troupe has over 100 members performing fast-paced dancing and rhythmic footwork combining modern dance with traditional folk dance. The performance is sure to be an exciting, exilirating specticle with amazing visuals and brightly coloured costumes. Aspendos was built back in 155 by Greek Architect Zenon and is well-known for being the best-preserved theatre providing seating for 7,000 people. Aspendos is located just outside Serik and is around a 40 minute drive from the city centre of Antalya. Performances began this week with shows on June 21st and there will be another on June 28th.
The 5th International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival will be held at the anicent theatre in the wonderfully preserved ancient city of Ephesus. There will be magnificent perfomances of Madame Butterfly, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, La Traviata and Friday. Watching these shows performed at this heritage site is a very unique opportunity. The site dates all the way back to the 10th century B.C. and once housed the Temple of Artemis. Ephesus is located 3 kilometres from Selcuk. Performances begin on June 24th and are schedule for five dates until July 7th.
There will be concerts performed on a stage inside the renovated Bodrum Castle celebrating the 3rd Bodrum Kaleici Events. Songs will be sung by Turkish Tenors, Tango Tango and a Tango Night. The Bodrum Castle is located in the town centre. Performances will take place on July 2nd, 9th and the 17th.
Around 30 plus concerts will be taking place at the Bodrum Amphitheatre. These concerts offer something for everyone. There will be ballet, opera, pop, rock, theatre and even comedy in the setting of the Greco-Roman antique theatre also known as the Theatre at Halicarnassus which overlooks the Bodrum Castle and bay and dates all the way back to the 4th century. Performance highlights include Postmodern Jukebox, Duman, Levent Yuksel, Gaye Su Akyol, Candan Ercetin and Selda Bagcan who will close the show on September 2nd. The Bodrum Antique Theatre is located above the town centre. Concerts will be held through July and August.
The 19th International Bodrum Ballet Festival will be taking place on a large stage within the renovated Bodrum Castle. The event will begin with a performance of Carmen followed by Romeo and Juliet, Bach Alla Turca Hamlet and Guldestan. Performances will be held from August 6th to the 19th.
Finally there is the Gumusluk Music Festival taking place at the Antique Stone Quarry in Koyunababa and on the beach in Gumusluk. The festival features classical and world music performances as well as film screenings and workshops. This event was actually founded and is oragnised yearly by a fellow expat.
Get your calendars marked with all these amazing events you would not want to miss.
Source: Daily Sabah
