Ask Mehmet - Symphony

  • Published
  • By Mehmet Birbiri
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs host nation advisor
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Mehmet, I heard there is a symphony in Adana. Is that true? If so, when does it perform and how can we go?

What you have heard is true. Adana has a symphony orchestra called Cukurova State Symphony Orchestra. In fact, the orchestra was established in 1992 and has been performing since then, with performances from October through May. Every week there are two performances: Friday 8 p.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday morning.

The concerts are held in the Concert Hall of City Hall. The Friday night performances are almost always full, so I recommend getting your ticket by Wednesday. Saturday concert tickets can be bought right before the concert starts.

The ticket cage is open between 10- 6 p.m. during the week and 10-11 a.m. Saturday. Tickets cost 8 YTL.

A smart casual outfit would be perfect attire as you don't have to dress up for the concert.

City Hall is located on Ataturk Street in Adana and very easy to find. When you go to Adana, cross the river and pass the Grand Mosque. After passing Hotel Seyhan, turn right from the intersection. This is Ataturk Street. City Hall is about approximately 100 feet from the intersection on your right. It is a two-story building you can't miss.

The orchestra showcases foreign conductors quite frequently. On Nov. 14 conductor Cem Mansur and soloist Emre Sayari will perform J. Haydn's "Violoncellos Concerto," "Turkish Capriccio," "Prelude," "Two Dances" and "A Dance Suit."

The Nov 21-22 concerts, feature Vladimir Lungu who will perform G. Verdi's "I Vespri Sicilliani Overture," J. Brahms' "Duel Concerto" and "Symphony Number 3."

For more information including the orchestra schedule in English, go to the website www.cukurovasenfoni.org.