The Istanbul State Opera and Ballet (IDOB) will open its 2026-27 artistic season on Sept. 19 with Beethoven’s "Symphony No. 9," launching a program featuring new opera, ballet and modern dance productions at Istanbul’s Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) and Süreyya Opera House.
The new season will include premieres of two operas, two ballets, two modern dance works and a children’s ballet, according to Caner Akgün, the company’s general manager and artistic director.
The season-opening concert will feature the IDOB orchestra and chorus, conducted by music director Ibrahim Yazıcı.
Among the season’s major ballet productions will be Turgay Erdener’s "Afife,” one of the notable works of Turkish ballet, presented under the concept of choreographer Beyhan Murphy. Donizetti’s "Lucia di Lammermoor” will also return.
Akgün said the AKM has become an important platform for IDOB’s international development.
"IDOB has made a major impact not only in our country but also on the international stage, with the influence of the AKM and our strong, experienced team,” he said.
Turkish works in spotlight
IDOB will continue its focus on Turkish composers and works reflecting the country’s cultural heritage. Ahmet Adnan Saygun’s "Gilgamesh” and Güldiyar Tanrıdağlı’s "Edusa,” featuring a libretto by writer Iskender Pala, will return to the repertoire.
At the Süreyya Opera House, the company will stage the world premiere of Selman Ada’s "The Overcoat,” inspired by Nikolai Gogol’s classic story. Ada will conduct the premiere himself.
The company will also continue productions including "Tehlikeli Oyun” and "Deli Dumrul,” which premiered last season.
Other opera productions will include Gounod’s "Faust,” Verdi’s "La Traviata” and "Falstaff,” as well as Mozart’s "The Abduction from the Seraglio” ("Die Entführung aus dem Serail"), Wagner’s "The Flying Dutchman” and Britten’s "The Turn of the Screw.”
International ballet projects
IDOB’s ballet company will perform "The Nutcracker” at Teatro Lirico di Cagliari in Italy in December, with an interpretation by Turkish choreographer Mehmet Balkan.
"Giselle” will be presented in February 2027, followed in March by a neoclassical program featuring George Balanchine’s choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s "Serenade.” The program will also include Philip Glass’ "Circle of Fifths” and Ulvi Cemal Erkin’s "Köçekçe.”
The season will conclude in May 2027 with Puccini’s "Turandot,” directed by Roberto Catalano and conducted by Ayyub Guliyev, music director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.
IDOB will also continue its programs for children and young audiences, including "Cinderella” and "The Little Prince.” The company’s modern dance ensemble will present works including "Pinocchio,” "Delirium” and "Dance Adrenaline.”
Fernando Melo’s "Tree of Wind” will open the Istanbul Theater Festival on Oct. 24-25 before joining IDOB’s repertoire in January.
Akgün said IDOB expects to welcome about 200,000 spectators during the new season, with some productions reaching occupancy rates of up to 90%.
Founded in 1960, the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet continues to expand its repertoire while strengthening its presence on the international stage.