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Events
Antalya has many annual events and festivals which showcase the multitude of artistic talent available to be enjoyed by all. Some of these marvellous festivals are:
Antalya Piano Festival
The first Antalya Piano Festival was held in May 2000 at the Antalya Culture Center and it has been an annual event since then. At the inaugural concert, Aysegul Sarica, Aris Garufalis and Idil Biret performed to the delight of the people of Antalya.
The renowned Turkish pianist Fazil Say accepted the art direction of the 2nd Antalya Piano Festival, organized in May 2001, and every year the festival has been growing in popularity as international artists are attracted by the high standards of the event and use it as a platform to showcase their skill.
Antalya Culture and Art Foundation (AKSAV): +90 (242) 238 5309
Kadir Dursun Production: +90 (242) 242 5656
International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival
The annual International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival was initially held in 1994. The festival has gained its international character by the participation of foreign operas, orchestras and famous groups. Most of the audiences are tourists on vacation in Antalya and environs. The festival is instrumental in promoting Turkish culture, art and historical values, and is a key attraction for tourists. Verdi’s great opera “AIDA” has become the traditional opening performance at the festival, and the other performances are just as impressive. The Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival was accepted by the European Festivals Association on October 24th, 2003, evidence that it has established itself as one of the best in the world.
Phone: +90 (242) 238 5144
www.dobgm.gov.tr
Golden Orange Film Festival
The foundation for the Golden Orange Film Festival was laid in the 1950s when the Aspendos Ampitheatre began to host concerts and theatre plays where events were held in the summer months under the honorary patronage of Dr. Avni Tolunay. In 1963, the festivities turned into a film festival initiated by Dr. Avni Tolunay, who became the mayor of Antalya in that same year. The festival’s logo “the golden orange” was chosen as it is the most recognizable symbol of the region and a statute of Venus holding an orange has emerged as the festival’s motif. This festival is also associated with the Eurasia Film Market since 2004.
Over time, the festival has come to showcase a myriad of Turkish as well as foreign films and documentaries. The festival starts in October and culminates within a month with an awards ceremony.