Greek-Turkish Youth Orchestra strengthens friendship with concert

The Greek-Turkish Youth Orchestra has brought two nations together with music performed in the Aegean province of Izmir.

The concert was organized in Adnan Saygun Art Center, by Izmir Economy University (IEU), Izmir Chamber of Commerce (ITO) and Izmir Metropolitan Municipality. Participating in the event was ITO Chairman and IEU Chairman of the Board of Trustees Ekrem Demirtaş, Greek-Turkish Youth Orchestra President Leni Konialidis, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Chairman Advisor Muzaffer Tunçağ and Izmir Vice Consul of Greece Dimitra Kaletsi.

Meeting with Konialidis before the concert, Chairman Demirtaş pointed out that both nations had worked hard to establish a friendship. "For 24 years we kept saying that the only thing that should separate us is the Aegean Sea. We are working hard to establish a strong friendship and we will keep working to improve our friendship, cultural and economic relations" he said.

He noted that the trade volume between Turkey and Greece has increased from $200 million in 1992 to $6 billion in recent days.

Konialidis said, "Music needs no language and brings people together. This orchestra aims to bond musicians from different nations, cultures and languages. The journey we started nine years ago is continuing with increasing support and interest."

The orchestra played Weber's "Oberon" overture, Bruch's clarinet and viola concerto and Beethoven's Fifth Symphony at the concert.