The General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet is welcoming art lovers through opera and ballet festivals held in different provinces across Türkiye. The total number of spectators at events held during the 2025-2026 arts season is expected to exceed 90,000.
Five festivals met with art lovers
The 17th International Istanbul Opera and Ballet Festival, held from May 21 to June 9, was among the season’s major events. The 9th International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival took place from June 26 to July 8, followed by the 23rd International Bodrum Ballet Festival from July 31 to Aug. 17.
The events continued with the 2nd Anatolian Opera and Ballet Festival and the 33rd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, held from Sept. 12 to 26. The festivals brought opera and ballet performances to audiences in different provinces across Türkiye.
Season in Denizli to conclude on Nov. 21
The 2nd Denizli Opera and Ballet Days began on May 8 with the epic opera "Troy." The event will conclude after the final performance, Carmen, on Nov. 21.
Salcan said the 2025-2026 arts season had been busy and that the number of performances had increased. Salcan said the festivals held throughout the season had made Türkiye a country hosting a wide-ranging arts event, adding that Denizli Opera and Ballet Days would conclude with its final performance in November.
Salcan said the total number of spectators at the festivals was expected to exceed 90,000, adding that reaching this figure would make them happy and that they hoped interest would grow further in the coming periods.
Ancient sites to receive greater focus next season
Salcan said preparations would begin for festivals to be held next summer. Saying that they were planning a new initiative for the 2026-2027 arts season, Salcan said they wanted to increase the number of performances at ancient sites.
Salcan said performances had been held at Aspendos, Ephesus and Bodrum Castle, adding that preparations were also underway for performances at other ancient theaters and ancient cities. Salcan said bringing art events to ancient cities gave these sites renewed vitality.
