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Since 1973, the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) has yearly organized the Istanbul Music Festival, Türkiye’s most prestigious and long-standing classical music event.
Originally known as the "Istanbul Festival," it changed its name to a music festival in 1994 and has since grown to become a significant venue for classical music in Istanbul and Türkiye.
The festival showcases orchestras and leading national and international performers.
It takes place from June 11 to June 26, and is hosted at various historic and iconic venues across Istanbul, such as the Ataturk Cultural Centre, Sureyya Opera House, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene, and others. These unique settings add cultural depth to the performances.
The program is known for its diversity and innovation, including classical music, opera, contemporary works, and world premieres.
In addition to classical music, the festival embraces interdisciplinary and cross-genre performances, including jazz and traditional Turkish music. It often includes special projects supporting young musicians and free concerts in public parks.
The festival will present 25 concerts with over 45 soloists and ensembles, held at some of the most iconic Istanbul venues.
Some of the notable performers performing at the Istanbul Music Festival include world-renowned orchestras and esteemed soloists such as:
•NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester
•Camerata Salzburg
•Geneva Camerata
•Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra
•Helene Grimaud (pianist)
•Frank Peter Zimmermann (violinist)
•Rafal Blechacz (pianist)
•Gautier Capuçon (cellist)
•Alexandre Kantorow (pianist)
The program also includes world premieres of new compositions commissioned by the festival, interdisciplinary performances, and projects celebrating diverse musical cultures from Türkiye and neighboring regions.
The Istanbul Music Festival includes several free events and initiatives to make classical music accessible to wider audiences.
There are free classical music concerts known as Weekend Classics that are held at public parks such as Yildiz Park and Yogurtcu Park, offering relaxed, family-friendly outdoor performances.
The event also hosts free dance workshops for kids aged 7-9 and 10-12 in the various parks around Istanbul. These workshops are designed to foster rhythm and creativity and require prior reservation.
Intending to introduce classical music to new audiences and communities, these outreach and free events supplement the main ticketed concerts that are held at esteemed venues throughout Istanbul.
Students studying in Türkiye interested in attending the concerts can do so in the following ways.
Students majoring in music or singing at conservatories can attend festival concerts free of charge, provided there is a seat available. They need to arrive at the venue shortly before the concert, check for available seats, and show their valid conservatory student ID at the entrance.
The event also provides discounted tickets for the youth and students studying in Türkiye. This ticket is called the Eczacibasi Youth ticket, which has a price tag of around ₺30 ($0.78).
Students can create a membership on Passo, the official website for purchasing concert tickets, and use the code "eczacibasigencbilet" during purchase. They will have to provide their valid student ID at the entrance of the venue.
Members of IKSV's Tulip Card membership program receive priority sales and discounts, but they do not receive free admission. By applying by email with their disability card, audience members with disabilities can also receive a 50% discount.
In conclusion, the Istanbul Music Festival is a globally recognized, culturally diverse event that promotes artistic exchange and cultural appreciation by celebrating classical and contemporary music in historic Istanbul venues.
You can purchase tickets for the Istanbul Music Festival 2025 primarily through the official ticket provider Passo. Tickets are available on the Passo website or via the Passo Mobile app, or at Passo box offices.
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