According to State Opera and Ballet General Director Tan Sağtürk, the International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival will bring Turkey to the attention of the world’s art scene. He stresses that the goal of these events is to make the nation a destination for the arts.
The International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival has attracted a larger audience every year, according to Sağtürk, who spoke to the state-run Anadolu Agency. This year’s programme is longer than previous years’, including three operas, two ballets, a musical, and a children’s opera.
According to Sağtürk, Turkey is home to several significant opera and ballet festivals that highlight the nation’s artistic diversity and depth, such as the Anatolian Opera and Ballet Festival, the Culture Route Festival, the International Istanbul Opera and Ballet Festival, the International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival, the International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, the International Bodrum Ballet Festival, and the International Istanbul Opera and Ballet Festival.
Ephesus Ancient Theatre
Sağtürk said, “Restoration work is being carried out at Ephesus Ancient Theatre under the leadership of Culture and Tourism Ministry. These works also aim to ensure that artistic performances can take place in better conditions. The restoration will be completed before the festival begins, allowing our audience to enjoy the performances in greater comfort.”
Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky is one of seven productions to be staged at Ephesus
Sağtürk said that the repertoire is planned with audience interest in mind and shared details of this year’s programme: “This year, a total of seven productions will be staged, with nine performances in total. The festival will open with Tchaikovsky’s ‘Swan Lake’ ballet. The programme will also feature Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ cantata as a musical, Mozart’s ‘The Abduction from the Seraglio’ opera, Mikis Theodorakis’ ‘Zorba’ ballet, ‘La Traviata’ and ‘Aşk-ı Memnu’ opera. For children, we have included ‘Şekeronya’ in the programme. Our event attracts great interest from the international arts community and renowned artists. The International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival has proven its prestige. Last year, artists who participated in the festival expressed their enthusiasm, saying, ‘We want to be part of your festival because you feature artists on some of the world’s most beautiful stages.’”
Which famous ballet dancers will perform at Ephesus in 2025?
Sağtürk also revealed that famous ballet dancers Željko Lučić, Iana Salenko, and Daniil Simkin will perform at this year’s festival. Sağtürk said, “With such events, we aim to turn our country into an arts destination. A tourist visiting the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul should also be able to attend an opera. These festivals serve as pioneers in promoting our efforts and establishing clearer international connections.”
He also talked about the distinctions between Aspendos and Ephesus, pointing out that despite their significant artistic and historical significance, both theatres need different technical equipment. He called the chance to host events at historic venues “a great privilege.” Swan Lake” will open the eighth International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival on June 27th and run through July 13th.
Source: Hurriyet Daily News
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