In celebration of a century of friendship between Türkiye and the Netherlands, the historic Hierapolis ancient city theater hosted a joint concert featuring chamber orchestras from both countries. The concert, which took place on the evening of September 2nd, 2021, was a remarkable display of cultural exchange and friendship between two nations.
The Hierapolis ancient city theater, located in the Denizli province of Türkiye, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking ancient ruins and impressive acoustics. The theater, which was built in the 2nd century AD, provided the perfect setting for this special event, symbolizing the long-standing history and strong bond between Türkiye and the Netherlands.
The concert was organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Türkiye and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The aim of the concert was to commemorate the 100 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and to strengthen the cultural ties between Türkiye and the Netherlands.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the Dutch Ambassador to Türkiye, His Excellency Marjanne de Kwaasteniet, who expressed her delight at the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with Türkiye. She highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations and the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening this bond. Her words were met with a round of applause from the audience, which included members of both the Turkish and Dutch communities.
The concert featured two chamber orchestras, one from Türkiye and one from the Netherlands, each showcasing their unique musical heritage. The Türkiye Chamber Orchestra, led by renowned conductor Cem Mansur, opened the concert with a mesmerizing performance of traditional Turkish music. The audience was captivated by the beautiful melodies played by the string and wind instruments, which truly represented the rich and diverse culture of Türkiye.
Next, the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, led by conductor Gordan Nikolic, took the stage and treated the audience to a stunning performance of Dutch classical music. The orchestra, known for their impeccable technique and passionate playing, received a standing ovation from the audience. The blend of traditional Turkish and classical Dutch music was a testament to the harmonious friendship between the two nations.
In addition to the chamber orchestras, the concert also featured special solo performances by Dutch cellist Ella van Poucke and Turkish pianist Hüseyin Sermet. Their brilliant performances left the audience spellbound and truly showcased the talent and artistry of both countries.
The concert was not only a celebration of music but also a celebration of the strong ties between Türkiye and the Netherlands. The two nations have a long history of cooperation and friendship, which has only grown stronger over the past century. The concert provided a platform for cultural exchange and understanding, promoting mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s traditions and customs.
The event also served as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and friendship, especially in these challenging times. Amidst the ongoing global pandemic, this joint concert was a symbol of unity and solidarity, bringing people together through the universal language of music.
The evening ended on a high note with a standing ovation and a joint performance by both chamber orchestras, playing a beautiful rendition of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”. It was a fitting end to a remarkable evening, filled with music, friendship, and celebration.
As the concert drew to a close, the audience left the Hierapolis ancient city theater with a sense of joy and inspiration. The joint concert was a resounding success, not only in celebrating the century of friendship between Türkiye and the Netherlands but also in promoting a message of peace and unity.
In the words of the Dutch Ambassador, “The friendship between our two nations is not just a thing of the past, it is a living, breathing friendship that will continue to thrive for many more years to come.” The joint concert at the Hierapolis ancient city theater was a true reflection of this sentiment, and it will be remembered as a historic event in the cultural exchange between Türkiye and the Netherlands.
