Turkish opera and ballet season opens

The State Opera and Ballet organisation (DOB) in Turkey has launched its new programme for the upcoming season.

It should be music to the ears for tourists planning holidays in Turkey who like to witness cultural festivals and events while they are away, as there is a diverse range of shows with international appeal.

Both the DOB and the Ankara State Opera and Ballet (ADOB) organisation will be hosting 50 plays throughout the season, half of which will be original Turkish works, DOB general director Rengim Gokmen revealed at a press conference.

He announced the DOB kicks off its new season of events with opening concerts featuring a mix of arias, folk songs and Turkish compositions at the Ankara Chamber of Commerce on September 28 and Hagia Irene on September 29.

"With the new works that are going to be staged this season Turkish opera and ballet will be presented to the international community," he said.

Okan Demiris's new opera, Karyagdı Hatun, and Muammer Sun's ballet, Sevginin Bedeli, are among the works at this year's vibrant new season of Turkish opera and ballet.