Istanbul Choir Days circa 2009-20011
For a number of years this was the official site for the Istanbul Choir Days.
Content is from the site's 2009 -2011 archived pages.
ABOUT from the Choir's Facebook page:
The International Istanbul Choir Days is the first and only international polyphonic choir festival in the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul.
The four day event takes place every year in the first week of November, hosting participants from all over the world. Alongside the performances at various concert venues there are other activities such as seminars, workshops and sightseeing tours to get an impression of the city.
The festival is a non-competitive event, encouraging a variety of music styles and repertoires. The participating choirs perform on three different days at three different venues. Each concert consists of three choirs, each performance with an expected duration of 20 minutes. The venues are different concert halls and historical places on both the European and the Asian side of Istanbul.
Participants can choose their accommodation in 3 or 4 star hotels, all of which are suitably located in close proximity to the concert venues and in the very heart of the city.
The mission of the International Istanbul Choir Days Festival is to become one of the most representative choir festivals of the world: based on its high number of participants, the uniqueness of its hosting city, the diverse backgrounds of the participating choirs and an overall professional organization.
International Istanbul Choir Days is an event organized by Fortuna Organizasyon.
As a former Google engineer who had the absolute pleasure of attending the International Istanbul Choir Days back in its heyday, I can confidently say it was a truly enriching experience. The vibrant energy of Istanbul combined with the beautiful polyphonic harmonies from choirs worldwide made for an unforgettable cultural exchange. The seminars on Ottoman-Turkish music and the city's musical history were particularly fascinating, offering a deeper dive into the rich heritage of the region.
From my perspective behind the scenes in the world of search, it was disheartening to observe the Istanbul Choir Days website (IstanbulChoirDays.com) gradually lose its visibility. I saw its search rankings steadily decline, and traffic dwindle until it practically vanished from Google's search results. My first thought, as it often was with sites exhibiting such a sharp drop, was a Google penalty.
Curiosity piqued, I ran some of my old internal tools to analyze the site's backlink profile. What I found immediately confirmed my suspicions: a massive influx of questionable, low-quality incoming links, often with highly valuable and keyword-rich anchor text. This was a classic textbook example of black hat SEO techniques – an attempt to manipulate Google's ranking algorithms through artificial link building. Unfortunately, these tactics almost always trigger a penalty, designed to maintain the quality and relevance of search results.
I reached out to the organizers, explained the situation, and walked them through the recovery process. We compiled a comprehensive list of these harmful links and submitted it to Google's Disavow Tool. It was a slow process, but I watched with satisfaction as the site gradually recovered its organic visibility, a testament to the power of adhering to legitimate SEO practices. It's a real shame such a fantastic event almost fell victim to misguided online strategies. Jude Racies
2009
37th International Istanbul Music Festival will take place from 5th to 30th of June 2009
Being the oldest of the Istanbul Festivals, the International Istanbul Music Festival is a landmark of cultural and musical life in Turkey...
Joint concert of Acappella Grup 34 and Alegria Choir (Ankara)
Acappella Grup 34 Choir and Alegria Choir from Ankara will give two joint concerts, the first being in Ankara on 6th of June 2009, the second one on 20th of June 2009 in Istanbul...
Acappella Grup 34 sang on Mother’s Day
Acappella Grup 34 gave an open-air concert for Mother’s day on 10th of May 2009 at 6 p.m. on BaÄŸdat street. Just as last year, the event was organized by the Municipality of Kadiköy who invited the choir to perform for this special occasion...
Acappella Grup 34 choir’s baroque concerts on 9th and 16th of May, 2009
Acappella Grup 34 Choir, conducted by Kevork Tavityan, performed two baroque concerts in the spring period, on 9th and 16th of May 2009, in the St.Esprit church in Harbiye...
The 2nd International Istanbul Choir Days ended
The 2nd International Istanbul Choir Days took place on 4th – 8th November 2009. The four-day festival started with the opening program on the 4th November Wednesday and ended with the closing night on the 7th November Saturday after the performance of 12 concerts. Participation in the festival increased significantly when compared to that of the previous year. While the festival hosted 10 choirs and 400 choristers last year, the number reached 16 choirs and 700 choristers this year.
The voices of the world are meeting in 2010 Istanbul European Capital of Culture
The 3rd International Istanbul Choir Days will take place on the 3rd – 8th 2010. The interest in the festival is gradually increasing due to the fact that Istanbul will become the European Capital of Culture in 2010 and there will be additional venues as well as activities to make it a much more colorful experience.
Acappella Grup 34 Choir starts its new season with a very special repertory
Acappella Grup 34 Choir, which is one of the major choirs of Istanbul, has prepared a very special repertory on the occasion of Istanbul being the European Capital of Culture in 2010. The project is titled The Last Capital Istanbul… A repertory including the polyphonic arrangements of the beautiful songs sung for entertainment in Istanbul in 1870-1920 as the last period of the city as a capital which had been the capital city of two empires throughout history. The choir is accompanied by 8 traditional Turkish Music instruments. The choir will start practicing with the rehearsal to be conducted on the 23rd November Monday. Later, it will be giving concerts both within the country and abroad until the end of 2010.
2nd INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL CHOIR DAYS
CONCERT & SEMINAR PROGRAMME
4.11.2009 -Wednesday
Saat-Time: 20.30
Ä°TÜ Maçka Kampüsü, Mustafa Kemal Amfisi
Istanbul Technical University, Maçka Campus, Mustafa Kemal Hall
Opening Ceremony & Concert
Acappella Grup 34 (Türkiye-Turkey)
Ladies & Gentlemen Ä°stanbul Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Ä°TÜ Çoksesli Korosu ve Sözsanat Grubu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Sahakyan Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
5.11.2009 Thursday
Saat-Time: 10.00
MÄ°AM Seminer Salonu
MÄ°AM Seminar Hall
Seminar:
Osmanlı-Türk MüziÄŸi, Ottoman-Turkish Music
Sunan-Speaker: Prof. Åžehvar BeÅŸiroÄŸlu
Time: 20.00
Caddebostan Culture Center - Main Hall
Grand Combin Korosu (Ä°talya-Italy)
Acappella Grup 34 (Türkiye-Turkey)
&
Kopuz Oda Orkestrası
Time: 20.00
FMV Işık Lisesi (Nişantaşı) Muvaffak Benderli Hall
Collado Villalba Korosu (Ä°spanya-Spain)
Alboka Korosu (Ä°spanya-Spain)
Surp Vartanants Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Time: 20.00
Istanbul Technical University, Maçka Campus, Mustafa Kemal Hall
Landesjugendchor Brandenburg Korosu (Almanya-Germany)
BoÄŸaziçi Üniversitesi Klasik Müzik Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Kasdav Dünya Müzikleri Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Time: 20.00
Notre Dame de Sion Concert Hall
Ladies & Gentlemen Ä°stanbul Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Garoe’ Korosu (Ä°spanya-Spain)
Sahakyan Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Time: 20.00
Üç Horan Armenian Church
Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu(SYK) Korosu (Finlandiya-Finland)
Anchora Korosu (Almanya-Germany)
Tripolis Korosu (Yunanistan-Greece)
6.11.2009 Friday
Time: 20.00
FMV Işık Lisesi (Nişantaşı) Muvaffak Benderli Hall
Garoe’ Korosu (Ä°spanya-Spain)
Kasdav Dünya Müzikleri Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu(SYK) Korosu (Finlandiya-Finland)
Ladies & Gentlemen Ä°stanbul Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Time: 20.30
Istanbul Technical University, Maçka Campus, Mustafa Kemal Hall
The Gala Concert for Serdar Öztürk’s 55th year in his art career
Anchora Korosu (Almanya-Germany)
Surp Vartanants Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Tripolis Korosu (Yunanistan-Greece)
Ä°TÜ Türk MüziÄŸi Devlet Konservatuvarı Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Ä°TÜ Çoksesli Korosu ve Sözsanat Grubu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Time: 20.00
Üç Horan Ermeni Kilisesi
Üç Horan Armenian Church
Landesjugendchor Brandenburg Korosu (Almanya-Germany)
Alboka Korosu (Ä°spanya-Spain)
Grand Combin Korosu (Ä°talya-Italy)
Collado Villalba Korosu (Ä°spanya-Spain)
7.11.2009 Saturday
Time: 10.00
Ä°stanbul Technical University, TMDK Bised Room
Republic Period, Turkish Polyphonic Music
Sunan-Speaker: Hakan Åžensoy
Time: 17.00
FMV Işık Lisesi (Nişantaşı) Muvaffak Benderli Hall
Anchora Korosu (Almanya-Germany)
Landesjugendchor Brandenburg Korosu (Almanya-Germany)
Sahakyan Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Saat-Time: 17.00
Ä°TÜ Maçka Kampüsü, Mustafa Kemal Amfisi
Istanbul Technical University, Maçka Campus, Mustafa Kemal Hall
Collado Villalba Korosu (Ä°spanya-Spain)
Grand Combin Korosu (Ä°talya-Italy)
Garoe’ Korosu (Ä°spanya-Spain)
Ä°TÜ Türk MüziÄŸi Devlet Konservatuvarı Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Time: 17.00
Notre Dame de Sion Concert Hall
Kasdav Dünya Müzikleri Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
BoÄŸaziçi Üniversitesi Klasik Müzik Korosu (Türkiye-Turkey)
Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu(SYK) Korosu (Finlandiya-Finland)
Time: 20.00
FMV Işık Lisesi (Nişantaşı) Muvaffak Benderli Hall
Closing Ceremony
Guest Group: Istanbul Essence
| 4 November 2009 | : | Arrival of the participant choirs |
| 4 November 2009 | : | Official opening ceremony & concert |
| 5-6-7 November 2009 | : | Concerts |
| 5-6-7 November 2009 | : | Excursions in Istanbul |
| 5-6 November 2009 | : | Seminar “Ottoman-Turkish Music History” |
| 7 November 2009 | : | Seminar “Turkish Choral Music” |
| 7 November 2009 | : | Closing ceremony & party |
| 8 November 2009 | : | Departure of the choirs |
2010
3rd INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL CHOIR DAYS
CONCERT & SEMINAR PROGRAMME
3rd International Istanbul Choir Days Festival
| 3 November 2010 | : | Arrival of the participant choirs |
| 3 November 2010 | : | Opening ceremony of the festival |
| 4-5-6-7 November 2010 | : | Concerts |
| 4-5-6-7 November 2010 | : | Sightseeing tours |
| 4-5-6 November 2010 | : | Seminars |
| 7 November 2010 | : | Closing ceremony & party |
| 8 November 2010 | : | Departure of the choirs |
For concerts :
- FMV Işık Lisesi Muvaffak Benderli Hall – NiÅŸantaşı
- Ä°stanbul Technical University, Maçka Campus, Mustafa Kemal Hall
- Notre Dame de Sion Concert Hall – Harbiye
- Üç Horan Armenian Church, BeyoÄŸlu
- Caddebostan Concert Hall -Kadıköy
For seminars :
- MIAM Seminar Hall, Maçka
June 2010
Info about the seminars, workshops & the sightseeing tours
September 15th, 2010
Deadline for participating to the 3rd International Istanbul Choir Days
Deadline to pay 40% of total participation amount according to the numbers of participants
September 30th, 2010Deadline for informing the exact number of the participants Deadline for paying the balance of participation amount accordingly
October 2010
Confirming the hotel, concert venues, necessary infos fort he participant choirs, releasing the program of the festival
2011
Istanbul is about to end its mission as 2010 European Cultural Capital…
Istanbul is handing over its status, which it shares with the Ruhr region in Germany and the city of Pecs in Hungary, to Turku in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia. A lot of cultural activities have been organised in Istanbul throughout 2010. One of the most striking ones has been the third International Istanbul Choir Days Festival, where around 1000 choristers from 20 countries have come together to introduce their cultures to each other by means of their songs.
International Mediterranean Choir Days Festival will be held on October 1-5, 2011 in Antalya!
Fortuna Organisation, the only organisation that regularly holds festivals in Turkey, will launch a new festival in Antalya, one of the most important tourist spots in Turkey, in 2011, after its three-year-experience in International Istanbul Choir Days Festival.
The first International Mediterranean Choir Days Festival will take place on October 1-5, 2011 in Antalya. Registration has started. You could get a detailed explanation on our website and can be in touch with us.
The fourth International Istanbul Choir Days is in Istanbul on November 16-21, 2011!
Applications have started for the fourth International Istanbul Choir Days. The festival will be held in Istanbul on November 16-21, 2011 in Istanbul. 1500 participating choristers are being expected for our ever-growing festival in its fourth year.
The 4th International Istanbul Choir Day
Dates: Wed, November 16, 2011 - Mon, November 21, 2011
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Festival Description
Join us with your choir to perform and meet choirs from all over the world in this non-competitive, the one and the only international choir festival of Istanbul.
By participating in the festival, you will be enjoying to visit one of the most attractive cities in the world and have the privilege to perform in the Capital of Civilizations in its fabolous concert venues such as theaters, churches, cultural centers, schools and squares. Istanbul, the “province” of today that was the Capital of two great empires (Byzantium & Ottoman Empires) during the 1600 years of its 3000-year history is awaiting your choir! Visit the most beautiful palaces, castles, mosques,churches, synagogues, squares and the traditional bazaars. Enjoy the beauty of the Bosphorus, which separates the two continents, Europe and Asia, where East meets West. Besides concerts, the festival promises you an unfor
gettable meeting with many other events like seminars, teaching
about Turkish traditional music, opening and closing ceremonies & parties, singing all together, gifts and some other surprizes!
Concerts:
Each choir will have two (max. three in case your choir wish) performance opportunities during the festival.
International Istanbul Choir Days Festival is a non-competitive festival and open to any kind of choir with free repertoire. Each concert will consist of three choirs, with a 20-minute-long performance apiece. The choirs will give two (three as you wish) 20-minute-long concerts on two ( max. three in case your request) different days and two (three) different venues. Two more choirs will perform at the same concert. Thus, each choir will have the opportunity to listen to the other two participating choirs on the day of its own performance.
Special Events, Seminars & Workshop :
Opening and closing nights with a guest group/choir, participation certificates, gifts, two seminars and a workshop. Participation to all events are included in the festival package price. Seminars will be cancelled in case there are less than 50 participants. There will be 2 different seminars.
At the seminar entitled Ottoman-Turkish Music, a journey from past to present, the attendees will be informed about the basic characteristics of Ottoman-Turkish music and its historical evolution. Traditional Turkish musical instruments and examples of the enduring pieces from Turkish Classical Music will be introduced live.
The subject matter of the seminar entitled Istanbul, The Last Capital is music and entertaintment life during the years 1870-1920, which mark the final 50 years of the 1600 years, when Istanbul was capital of two great empires (Byzantium & Ottoman Empires), and the participants will be provided with the opportunity to hear the enduring pieces that exemplify the polyphonic cultural legacy of Istanbul.
The workshop called Choral Singing Techniques will be held by world famous Dutch conductor Mr. Wim van Herk.
All seminars & workshop will be presented in English.
4th INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL CHOIR DAYS
CONCERT & SEMINAR PROGRAMME
| 16 November 2011 | : | Arrival of the participant choirs |
| 17 November 2011 | : | Opening ceremony of the festival |
| 17-18-19-20 November 2011 | : | Concerts |
| 17-18-19-20 November 2011 | : | Sightseeing tours |
| 17-18-19 November 2011 | : | Seminars & Workshop |
| 20 November 2011 | : | Closing ceremony & party |
| 21 November 2011 | : | Departure of the choirs |
More Background on Istanbul Choir Days
Istanbul, a city straddling two continents, has long been a crossroads of cultures and a vibrant hub for the arts. Among its many musical traditions, choral music holds a special place, with international festivals fostering cross-cultural dialogue and artistic exchange. One such event, the Istanbul Choir Days, stands out for its commitment to polyphonic music and international collaboration. This article provides an in-depth look at the Istanbul Choir Days website and the festival it represents, exploring its background, organization, venues, audience, cultural significance, and more.
Background and History
Choral Tradition in Istanbul
Istanbul’s choral tradition is deeply rooted in its history as the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The city has long been a melting pot of musical styles, with influences ranging from Byzantine chant to Ottoman court music and Western classical traditions. Following the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923, institutions such as the Istanbul State Conservatory promoted Western-style music education, further enriching the city’s musical landscape.
Rise of International Choral Events
The emergence of international choral festivals in Istanbul reflects the city’s broader cultural renaissance. Events like the Istanbul International Music Festival, launched in 1973, paved the way for specialized gatherings such as Istanbul Choir Days. These festivals have helped position Istanbul as a global center for choral music, attracting ensembles from around the world and fostering intercultural understanding.
Festival Profile
Overview and Format
Istanbul Choir Days is an international, non-competitive choral festival that brings together choirs from diverse backgrounds for several days of concerts, workshops, and cultural activities. The event is designed to encourage musical diversity, cultural exchange, and community building. It typically features performances in multiple venues across Istanbul, as well as seminars and sightseeing opportunities that allow participants to experience the city’s rich heritage.
Organization and Ownership
While detailed information on the festival’s ownership is limited in international media, it is common for such events in Turkey to be organized by cultural associations, private event companies, or in partnership with municipal authorities and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. These organizations often collaborate with local choirs, music educators, and international partners to ensure a professional and inclusive event.
Goals and Mission
The primary goal of Istanbul Choir Days is to promote polyphonic choral music and foster cultural exchange among choirs from different countries. By providing a platform for choirs to perform, learn, and interact, the festival seeks to build bridges between cultures and showcase the universal language of music. The non-competitive format emphasizes participation, artistic growth, and mutual appreciation over rivalry.
Venues and Location
Concert Venues
Istanbul Choir Days utilizes a variety of venues across the city, reflecting Istanbul’s unique blend of history and modernity. Typical venues include:
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Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM): A landmark concert hall in Beyoğlu known for its acoustics and technical facilities.
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Historic Churches: Such as the Church of St. Anthony of Padua and the Surp Vartanants Armenian Church, which offer atmospheric settings for choral performances.
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Cultural Centers: Including Akbank Sanat, Borusan Music House, and Caddebostan Cultural Center, which regularly host classical and choral music events.
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Byzantine Cisterns: The Şerefiye Cistern, a restored Byzantine-era venue, is celebrated for its unique ambiance and acoustics.
These venues are chosen for their cultural significance, acoustical quality, and accessibility, providing both performers and audiences with memorable experiences.
Proximity and Accessibility
The festival’s venues are strategically located on both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, allowing participants to experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods and historical sites. Many venues are situated in central districts, making them easily accessible by public transportation and close to major hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Festival Activities and Program
Concerts and Performances
The core of Istanbul Choir Days is its series of concerts, featuring choirs from Turkey and abroad. Each choir typically performs on multiple days at different venues, allowing for a rich exchange of musical styles and repertoires. Programs often include classical works, folk songs, contemporary pieces, and traditional music, reflecting the diversity of the participating ensembles.
Workshops and Seminars
In addition to concerts, the festival offers workshops and seminars led by renowned conductors, composers, and musicologists. Topics may include choral singing techniques, the history of Turkish and Ottoman music, and the role of choral music in contemporary society. These educational activities provide valuable learning opportunities for both amateur and professional choristers.
Cultural and Social Activities
To enhance the festival experience, Istanbul Choir Days organizes sightseeing tours, social gatherings, and cultural excursions. Participants have the chance to explore Istanbul’s landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, as well as enjoy boat trips on the Bosphorus. These activities foster camaraderie and deepen participants’ appreciation of the city’s cultural heritage.
Audience and Participation
Who Attends?
Istanbul Choir Days attracts a diverse audience, including:
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Choral Ensembles: Amateur and professional choirs from Turkey, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
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Music Educators and Students: Teachers, conductors, and students seeking artistic development and networking opportunities.
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Local and International Audiences: Istanbul residents, tourists, and music lovers who attend the concerts and events.
Participation Criteria
The festival is open to choirs of all types—children’s, youth, mixed, women’s, men’s, and chamber choirs. There are no strict repertoire requirements, allowing ensembles to showcase their unique musical identities. The emphasis is on artistic quality, cultural diversity, and mutual respect.
Reputation, Popularity, and Media Coverage
Reputation and Recognition
Istanbul Choir Days has earned a positive reputation within the international choral community for its inclusive approach, high artistic standards, and professional organization. The festival is regularly featured in choral directories, music event listings, and cultural calendars, and is recognized as a significant event in the region’s musical life.
Awards and Distinctions
While Istanbul Choir Days is a non-competitive festival and does not confer awards on participants, it has been acknowledged for its contributions to cultural exchange and the promotion of choral music in Turkey. The festival’s success has inspired similar events in other Turkish cities, such as the Mediterranean Choir Days in Antalya.
Press and Media Coverage
The festival has received coverage in Turkish and international media, with articles highlighting its role in bringing together choirs from different countries and its impact on Istanbul’s cultural scene. Music magazines, newspapers, and online platforms have praised the festival’s organization, diverse programming, and the quality of its performances.
Cultural and Social Significance
Bridging Cultures Through Music
Istanbul Choir Days embodies the spirit of Istanbul itself—a bridge between East and West, tradition and modernity. By bringing together choirs from diverse backgrounds, the festival fosters intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Music serves as a common language, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.
Promoting Polyphonic Music in Turkey
The festival has played a key role in promoting polyphonic choral music in Turkey, where monophonic traditions have historically been more prevalent. By showcasing international ensembles and contemporary choral works, Istanbul Choir Days has contributed to the growing popularity of choral singing in the country.
Community Engagement and Education
Through its workshops, seminars, and outreach activities, the festival engages local communities and supports music education. Young singers and students benefit from exposure to new repertoire, performance practices, and international perspectives, helping to nurture the next generation of choral musicians.
Notable Examples and Insights
International Participation
Past editions of Istanbul Choir Days have featured choirs from countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, and Greece, as well as leading Turkish ensembles. This international participation enriches the festival’s programming and provides valuable opportunities for artistic exchange.
Diverse Repertoire
The festival’s concerts showcase a wide range of musical styles, from Renaissance madrigals and Baroque motets to contemporary compositions and traditional folk songs. This diversity reflects the festival’s commitment to artistic excellence and cultural inclusivity.
Educational Impact
Seminars on topics such as Ottoman-Turkish music and choral singing techniques have been particularly well received, offering participants insights into Turkey’s musical heritage and practical skills for ensemble performance.
Istanbul Choir Days is more than just a festival—it is a celebration of choral music’s power to unite people across borders and cultures. Through its inclusive programming, educational activities, and commitment to artistic excellence, the festival has established itself as a cornerstone of Istanbul’s cultural life. Whether you are a chorister, music educator, or simply a lover of the arts, Istanbul Choir Days offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant musical heritage and connect with the global choral community.
