Members of the Berlin Philharmonic and acclaimed countertenor Iestyn Davies present a curated program centered on the myth of Orpheus on Sunday 14 June at the Kadıköy Municipality Sürreya Opera. This performance is a significant highlight of the season, bringing together some of the world’s most technically proficient instrumentalists with a vocalist known for his clarity and dramatic range. The evening functions as a chronological and thematic journey through four centuries of music, moving from the foundational operatic visions of Monteverdi and Gluck to a newly commissioned work by Donghoon Shin, inspired by Rilke’s Sonnets to Orpheus. Tickets are available via Passo.
Iestyn Davies has established himself as one of the preeminent countertenors of his generation, earning widespread acclaim for his work in both the Baroque and contemporary repertoires. His career is marked by a series of high profile performances at the Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera, and Glyndebourne, as well as a prolific recording history that includes multiple Gramophone Awards. His vocal style is characterized by a seamless blend of technical precision and emotional vulnerability, making him an ideal interpreter for a program that explores the universal themes of love, loss, and transformation.
The instrumentalists from the Berlin Philharmonic bring a level of ensemble playing that is rarely matched, applying their collective expertise to a diverse selection of works. The program’s breadth is reflected in the inclusion of Samuel Barber’s Dover Beach and Felix Mendelssohn’s impassioned String Quartet Op. 13, pieces that highlight the ensemble’s ability to navigate different stylistic eras with equal authority. This versatility is a defining characteristic of the Berlin Philharmonic’s members, who frequently engage in chamber music projects that allow for a more intimate and detailed exploration of the repertoire than is possible in a full orchestral setting.
On stage, the collaboration between Davies and the ensemble creates a dynamic that is both powerful and nuanced. The performance offers a setting that suits the intricate textures of the program, allowing the audience to experience the subtle shifts in tone and mood that define the Orphic narrative. Sunday 14 June provides a rare opportunity to witness a performance that is as much a scholarly inquiry into musical history as it is a profound artistic experience, bringing together some of the most respected names in classical music for a night of exceptional artistry.
For more information, follow the official Instagram for the Istanbul Music Festival. Tickets are available via Passo.
Osmanağa, Gen. Asım Gündüz Cd. No:29, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul
