The Tatarstan National Symphony Orchestra took the stage at the 40th International Ankara Music Festival in the Main Hall of CSO ADA Ankara. Conducted by Alexander Sladkovsky, the orchestra was joined by young Turkish pianist Can Saraç as soloist. The program also featured Ferit Tüzün’s Nasreddin Hodja, a work Sladkovsky said he remembers from childhood, noting that the character was widely known across the Soviet Union as a symbolic figure.
The concert opened with Nasreddin Hodja, followed by Saraç’s performance of Béla Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3. In the second half, the orchestra performed Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2.
MUSIC IS PURELY ABOUT EMOTION
Speaking ahead of the concert, Sladkovsky described his approach to music, saying that every piece holds its own meaning for him and that music, at its core, is entirely about emotion. Differences, he noted, emerge only through style. He added that the festival program brings together works from a wide range of periods and musical traditions.
He also said he was pleased to share the stage with Can Saraç, describing him as a Turkish pianist who has already received significant recognition. He added that he particularly enjoys performing with young musicians. Sladkovsky noted that Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3 was performed with the orchestra for the first time, making it a special premiere for the festival.
I REMEMBER NASREDDIN HODJA FROM THE SOVIET ERA
Highlighting the scope of the repertoire, Sladkovsky said the program spans nearly two to three centuries of music. Reflecting on Tüzün’s Nasreddin Hodja, he said the piece reminded him of Leonard Bernstein, especially West Side Story. He described the music as vivid and highly distinctive, adding that such similarities are natural, as composers inevitably influence one another.
Recalling his childhood, Sladkovsky said Nasreddin Hodja was also well known in the Soviet Union, where the character was often presented as a metaphorical figure.
Concluding his remarks, Sladkovsky sent greetings from the Republic of Tatarstan to the people of Türkiye. He said that, as a musical ambassador, it was a great honor to address Turkish audiences and to congratulate the festival on its 40th anniversary, adding that performing on such a respected international platform was a privilege.
