Musicians to perform Bach in Istanbul and Ankara concerts

The 12th edition of Bach Days will kick off in Istanbul and expand to Ankara this year. The organization has become a staple music event in Europe and will host outstanding musicians performing the compositions of Bach between Dec. 19 and Dec. 24. Jiri Barta will open the curtain for the 12th Bach Days on Dec. 19 at the Istanbul Naval Museum.

Considered one of the most prominent violin artists of the new generation, Barta received an education in music from Josef Chuchro in Prague, Boris Pergamenschikow in Cologne and Eleonore Schoenfeld in Los Angeles. He received the Europäische Förderpreis für Musik award in Dresden and Rostropovich-Hammer Award in Los Angeles in 1991. Barta, who has performed on the most prestigious stages and festivals in Europe, the Americas, Japan and Australia, is one of the rare artists who can play a Gagliano cello. So far, he has collaborated with several prominent figures in the music industry such as a chamber music musician and concerto soloist. Barta's previous concerts sold out in Turkey and he expects a big crowd for his performance in Ankara on Dec. 20 at Ankara Akün Stage.

Legendary violinist and director of Hortus Musicus, the oldest Braque music ensemble of Europe, Andres Mustonen will visit Turkey this time with his jazz quartet. Mustonen Art Jazz Quartet will perform jazz covers of the compositions of Bach on Dec. 22 at Istanbul Naval Museum and on Dec.23 at Ankara MEB Şura Hall. Winner of various awards, including the International Competition Musica Antiqua, Benjamin Alard is one of the biggest names of clavichord in the world. He will perform Bach's most-acclaimed composition, "Goldberg Variations," with his clavichord. Those who do not want to miss this unique performance can watch Alard live on Dec. 24 at Istanbul Naval Museum and on Dec. 21 at Akün Stage in Ankara. The tickets for these anticipated performances are available at the official website of Biletix.