I had the absolute pleasure of attending the grand opening concert for Borusan Sanat’s 2025/26 season, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical. Held at the Lütfi Kırdar Asım Kocabıyık Anadolu Auditorium on October 9, the evening was a beautiful mix of classical brilliance and fresh, innovative sounds.
The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra (BIPO), led by the conductor Carlo Tenan, set the tone for an unforgettable night. The star of the show? Russian pianist Ilya Maximov. This guy has been performing as a concerto soloist since he was eight years old (yes, eight!), and his experience and passion shone through in every note of Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102. His performance was emotional, powerful, and downright mesmerizing—he had the entire audience hooked.
One of the standout moments of the night was the world premiere of Paolo Marzocchi’s Five Songs of Shkodër. This piece was specially commissioned by BIPO, and wow, what a treat it was! Marzocchi blended traditional Turkish music with Southern European influences to create something truly unique and captivating. Knowing this special premiere happened in an auditorium named after Borusan Group’s founder Asım Kocabıyık made it feel even more significant.
The rest of the program was just as impressive. Kabalevsky’s lively Colas Breugnon Overture and Haydn’s iconic Symphony No. 100 (aka the “Military Symphony”) rounded out the evening with energy and charm. Every piece was performed with such precision and heart that it felt like the orchestra and conductor Carlo Tenan were speaking directly to us through music.
Overall, this concert wasn’t just a performance—it was an experience. It celebrated tradition while embracing innovation, all in a stunning venue filled with passionate music lovers. If this is how BIPO is kicking off their season, I can’t wait to see what’s next. For anyone who loves orchestral music, this was a dream come true.
Here’s to more incredible performances from BIPO this season—bring it on!
Burak Dikici 