International Bursa Festival started with the ‘Flamenco’ breeze

The International Bursa Festival, one of Turkey’s longest-running international festivals, met with the people of Bursa for the 62nd time. Speaking before the opening concert, which attracted great interest from art lovers, Mayor Mustafa Bozbey stated, ‘Each work exhibited throughout the festival is a motif woven into Bursa’s rich cultural texture, a part of our shared story.’ The 62nd International Bursa Festival, organized by Bursa Culture Art and Tourism Foundation (BKSTV) on behalf of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, kicked off with the world-renowned Siudy Garrido Flamenco Group accompanied by Bursa Regional State Symphony Orchestra. The concert held in a specially prepared area within Merinos Park received great attention from art enthusiasts.
Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, in his opening speech before the concert, emphasized that the International Bursa Festival is a 62-year-old tradition of the city. He pointed out that it is not only Bursa’s but also one of Turkey’s longest-running events, stating that the festival, which will last until July 31, is a cultural and artistic movement integrated with the city. Expressing his great pleasure in being at the opening of the festival, which is the common memory of Bursa, Mayor Bozbey underlined the importance of culture and art in shaping the future of society. He highlighted that art reflects who we are, where we come from, and where we want to go, emphasizing that art shows us the ways to understand each other, embrace our differences, and be together.
Mayor Bozbey also mentioned the International Golden Karagöz Folk Dance Competition, which plays a significant role in the cultural and artistic life of the city. He stated that this year’s competition, which will be held within the festival, will take place in 17 districts of Bursa and groups participating in the competition will organize shows in these districts. Mayor Bozbey recalled the words of German opera composer Richard Wagner, ‘I can’t express the soul of music with anything other than love,’ and highlighted the strong passion that led to the establishment of a symphony orchestra in Bursa for the first time.
Metin Atış, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of BKSTV, expressed his pride in inaugurating the 62nd International Bursa Festival with unique programs that have brought the festival to this day for 62 years. He thanked everyone involved, including Erdem Saker, who played a major role in the establishment of the symphony, and mentioned that the festival, which has been continuing for generations with the unique voices of Müzeyyen Senar and Zeki Müren, will continue to enlighten the city between July 5-31. Atış also thanked the sponsors supporting the foundation’s efforts to enhance cultural and artistic quality.
Atış expressed gratitude to the sponsors supporting the festival, including Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, and other companies. He extended his gratitude to all those who contributed to the festival and wished for the light of the festival to shine forever. Mayor Mustafa Bozbey presented a thank-you plaque to Metin Atış on behalf of the festival’s general sponsor, Atış Yapı, and to Ömer Kızıl on behalf of the night’s sponsor, Uludağ Premium.
Following the speeches, Bursa Regional State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Naci Özgöç, took the stage at Merinos Park, followed by the Siudy Garrido Flamenco Group. Known for her passion for flamenco and groundbreaking contributions, Siudy Garrido mesmerized the audience with her unique choreography. The group received great applause from art enthusiasts for their magnificent performance. The Bursa Regional Symphony Orchestra musicians also provided the audience with a music-filled evening with their performances.