Izmir hosting world stars, tributes in arts festival's 24th year

The Aegean province of Izmir yesterday launched its annual month-long musical celebration, kick-starting the Izmir International Festival with a gala concert entitled "Four Pianos, One Maestro" at the Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Center (AASSM). Yesterday's concert, featuring an orchestra of four pianos played by four virtuosos – Alexander Ghindin, David Lively, Janis Vakarelis, and Cyprien Katsaris – presented a program of works written for the piano by geniuses ranging from Wagner to Debussy. Running through July 19, this year's festival marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Izmir Foundation for Culture, Arts and Education (IKSEV), which has been organizing the festival for 24 years. A total of 12 events are featured in this year's program, which will be offered in such venues as the historic Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Cesme Castle and Bergama's historic Asklepion Theater, in addition to the AASSM.