Trakya University State Conservatory organized the I. International Balkan Violin Festival to celebrate the rich heritage of Edirne and the Balkans and bring together talented violinists across the country.
Speaking at the opening of the festival, Vice Rector and Director of the State Conservatory Prof. Ahmet Hamdi Zafer said: “Today, we are gathered here to unite with the universal language of music and to open the I. International Balkan Violin Festival. We continue our work with the aim of providing better opportunities to our young colleagues who continue their education in our school. At the same time, we continue our work uninterruptedly with the dream of making Trakya University State Conservatory a world-class institution. In addition, it was our dream to organize such a festival that is why we have taken an important step to transfer the unique heritage of the Balkans to future generations. During our festival, we will have the opportunity to listen to the magical sound of the violin accompanied by artists from the Balkans and Europe, and our students will reinforce their instrument skills by having one-to-one lessons with our masters throughout the week. I believe that this festival, filled with the unifying power of art, will contribute to the consolidation of peace and friendship in the Balkans. I hope that this festival will strengthen not only the art of violin, but also the dialogue and understanding between different cultures. Now, in order to make the magnificent opening of the I. International Balkan Violin Festival and to invite you to the magical world of the violin, I wish you all a pleasant week of events and unforgettable moments.”
Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan Tabakoğlu started his speech by giving information about Trakya University. He noted, “Every science has its own language, but the language of art is stronger than all of them. Because it is a place where everyone can get along regardless of religion, language and race. That is why our State Conservatory is very valuable for us. With Prof. Ahmet Hamdi Zafer, our Conservatory has gained a great sparkle. Today, they brought us a very important festival. They will hold a great MasterClass with important local and foreign violinists. They will also perform important concerts. It will be a festival full of art. I would like to thank everyone, especially my Vice Rector and State Conservatory Director Prof. Ahmet Hamdi Zafer, who contributed to the realization of this festival.”
Following the opening ceremony, the festival proceeded with the "Trakya Ensemble Concert" and a MasterClass by Prof. Paloma Pierzchala from Conservatorio Superior de Musica de Castilla-La Mancha in Spain.
The "I. International Balkan Violin Festival" will feature MasterClasses and concerts led by famous violinists throughout the week.
Translated by: Mahmut Karakaş (Department of English Translation and Interpreting)
