The 64th International Bursa Festival Meets Art Lovers

Organized by the Bursa Culture, Art and Tourism Foundation (BKSTV) on behalf of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, the festival will host an outstanding lineup of artists and ensembles in Bursa between July 21 and August 10. The festival will open with a concert by world-renowned Turkish tenor Murat Karahan, accompanied by the Bursa Regional State Symphony Orchestra and guest soprano Teona Dvali, and will close with a concert by Özcan Deniz.

The launch event for the 64th International Bursa Festival, chaired by Şahin Biba, was held in the Hüdavendigar Hall of the Merinos Atatürk Congress and Culture Centre. The event was attended by Bursa Culture, Art and Tourism Foundation Chairman Zekeriya Birkan, members of the BKSTV Board of Directors, representatives of sponsor companies and members of the press.

CULTURE AND ART WILL REACH EVERY CORNER OF THE CITY

Speaking at the launch event, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Şahin Biba said that Bursa is one of Turkey's leading cities not only for its historic and natural beauty but also for its deep-rooted cultural and artistic heritage. Noting that Bursa Metropolitan Municipality aims to bring culture and art to every corner of the city rather than confining them to certain times of the year or particular venues, Deputy Mayor Biba said that in line with this approach they bring citizens a wide range of events throughout the year, from concerts and theatre to exhibitions and talks.

Deputy Mayor Biba noted that the 38th International Golden Karagöz Folk Dance Competition, which concluded last week with great attendance and enthusiasm, made a significant contribution to Bursa's international cultural identity, with folk dance ensembles from different countries around the world bringing friendship, fellowship and cultural exchange together in Bursa. Stating that they will now carry that same excitement forward with the 64th International Bursa Festival, Deputy Mayor Biba noted that the festival has managed to remain one of the city's most important culture and art brands for 64 years.
Explaining that the festival programme has been designed to appeal to art lovers of all ages, Biba said that with 14 events over 21 days, Bursa's summer evenings will be filled with culture and art. Noting that the wide-ranging programme, spanning symphonic music to pop, and jazz to folk music, will bring many prominent Turkish and international artists together with the people of Bursa, Biba emphasized that the festival is not merely a series of concerts but a major event that will enrich the city's cultural life.

THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

Deputy Mayor Biba said that festival events will take place not only at the Bursa Kültürpark Open-Air Theatre but also at special venues reflecting Bursa's historic and natural treasures, such as the İznik Roman Ancient Theatre and Gölyazı, adding that carrying culture and art to different parts of the city will also make an important contribution to Bursa's tourism and cultural vision.

CHILDREN WILL SHARE IN THE FESTIVAL SPIRIT TOO

Noting that special events for children have been included in the festival programme for the first time this year, Deputy Mayor Şahin Biba said that children who encounter culture and art at an early age will become the informed art audiences and creators of the future. Stating that they want to transform the festival from an event aimed solely at adults into an inclusive one that families can attend together, Deputy Mayor Biba said that young art lovers will also share in the festival excitement through stage shows prepared especially for children.

Recalling that Bursa Metropolitan Municipality organized 84 culture and art events in June alone and brings an average of 100,000 citizens together with culture and art each month, Deputy Mayor Biba said they will continue this approach throughout the summer with concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, talks and district festivities, and invited all Bursa residents to experience the excitement of the 64th International Bursa Festival.

CULTURAL HERITAGE CARRIED INTO THE FUTURE

BKSTV Chairman Zekeriya Birkan, for his part, said the festival aims to carry its 64-year cultural legacy into the future, adding that they will continue to bring art lovers together through events that strengthen Bursa's culture and art identity.

21 DAYS PACKED WITH FESTIVAL EVENTS

A total of 14 events will be held over the festival's 21 days. The festival will open on July 21 at the Kültürpark Open-Air Theatre with a concert by Murat Karahan, accompanied by the Bursa Regional State Symphony Orchestra and guest soprano Teona Dvali.

One of the festival's most striking events will take place in Gölyazı on July 23. Bagjan Oktyabr's 'Soul Therapy' concert, to be staged on a floating platform on Lake Uluabat, will offer a special experience uniting music with nature.
The festival will also bring Derya Bedavacı, Elif Sanchez and Dilek Türkan, Poizi, Selçuk Balcı-Koliva, Emre Altuğ, Fatih Erkoç, Fettah Can accompanied by a symphony orchestra, Aslı Hünel, Mustafa Keser and Özcan Deniz together with Bursa's art lovers.

Alongside the concerts, theatre performances will also feature in the festival programme. Molière's classic 'The Miser' will meet theatre lovers, while 'Legendary Dinosaurs', a play prepared for children, will also be staged as part of the festival. The festival will conclude on August 10 with a concert by Özcan Deniz.