Rhythm of art to beat at Atatürk Culture Center

The Türk Telekom Opera Hall in Istanbul's Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) will host the leading names in the world of art during the Beyoğlu Cultural Road Festival, organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry from May 28 to June 12 this year.

Glykeria, who made the masses love the Greek rebetiko genre, will take the stage with its original interpretation and extraordinary stage performance of tunes familiar to Turkish music lovers. Tunisian lute artist and singer Dhafer Youssef will give the audience an unforgettable evening with his music blending the Sufi tradition, jazz elements and Arabic lyricism.

As part of the festival, Hungary's multi-award-winning pianist János Balázs will meet with music lovers for the first time in Turkey with a concert on the 175th anniversary of the world-famous Hungarian composer Ferenc Liszt's visit to Istanbul.

Universalizing the traditional Gypsy songs of Eastern Europe on the world music scene, Barcelona Gipsy Balkan Orchestra will share the stage with Suzan Karde, while Vasilis Saleas and Ahmet Koç will present a special night of instrumental and clarinet performances.

Sinan Opera, which made its world premiere at the Beyoğlu Cultural Road Festival last year, will also be on stage once again at this year's festival. The opera is about the life of Mimar Sinan, the majestic architect of the Ottoman era.

Don Quixote ballet, which is among the important works of classical ballet and inspired by selected parts of Miguel de Cervantes' novel of the same name, will be staged by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet as part of the festival.

Inspired by the thousands of years of the mythological and cultural history of Anatolia and building cultural bridges around the world with dance, the Fire of...