Izmir chapel classical music concert builds good will Published July 31, 2012 By Tanju Varlikli 425th Air Base Squadron Host Nation Advisor IZMIR AIR BASE, Turkey -- Members of the NATO Allied Air Command Izmir and the 425th Air Base Squadron attended a classical music concert held at the Izmir Chapel July 26. Musicians and faculty members from Yasar University's Music Department in Izmir, Turkey, held a concert at Izmir to build relationships and entertain the Izmir military community. Pianist Işık Ece Tezgel, a piano instructor at the university, and violinist Zehra Sak Brody, a violin instructor and the head of the string department, performed during the Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven Violin and Piano Sonata in C classical music concert. According to Chaplain (Capt.) David S. Merrifield, 425th ABS chaplain, the concert was a significant event for the community. "The classical music concert was significant for the Izmir community as it brought us together to share a nice concert which allowed us to enjoy quality music and build relationships," Merrifield said. The impact of the concert will be lasting, said Merrifield speaking about the effect the event had on those who attended. "It created very enjoyable moments and opened the door to future events," he said. "In fact, the university has already agreed to do this again for the Izmir community," Merrifield said. Performers Işık Ece Tezgel and Zehra Sak Brody are well-known musicians in the music community both in Turkey and in the U.S., having worked with such composers and groups as Idil Biret, Andrzej Jasinski and the Berkeley Symphony. Both hope to return to play for the community soon. "It was a truly memorable event for all involved," said Lt. Col. Marc Galler, 425th ABS commander. "Any community involvement to bring our cultures together is great, and to do so with such talented people leaves an indelible impression on all who attended."