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The 40th International Ankara Music Festival, one of Türkiye’s most prestigious and long-standing cultural events, will be held in the capital from April 4 to 30, 2026, featuring a diverse lineup of international and domestic artists.
Organized by the Sevda-Cenap And Music Foundation, the festival aims to promote polyphonic music in Türkiye and foster cultural exchange between Turkish and international musicians.
This year’s edition will host over 800 artists from 17 countries, presenting a rich program that includes symphony, opera, ballet, chamber music, and jazz performances.
The festival has served for four decades as a bridge between Ankara and the world, promoting the city as a hub of polyphonic music. The opening concert on April 4 will feature the Ankara Festival Orchestra in honor of Cenap And, while the closing concert on April 30 will be presented by the Presidency Symphony Orchestra, commemorating Mehmet Basman.
International ensembles participating this year include the Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra, Jakarta Concert Orchestra accompanied by Batavia Madrigal Singers, and the Tatarstan National Symphony Orchestra. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience unique collaborations, including performances with the Turkish State Polyphonic Choir and regional vocal groups.
The festival maintains a strong focus on nurturing young artists through masterclasses, workshops, and educational programs. Conservatory students are granted free access to selected performances. This year, several world premieres by Turkish composers, including works by Erberk Eryilmaz and Onur Turkmen, will be featured.
Sevda-Cenap And Music Foundation Secretary-General Pinar Alpay Yuksel emphasized that the festival not only enriches Ankara’s cultural life but also strengthens international cultural ties and provides a platform for emerging talent to perform on the global stage.
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