THE INAUGURAL CONCERT OF THE ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CAPTIVATED ART ENTHUSIASTS.
The Chamber Orchestra, which was founded at Atatürk University and now brings the universal sound of classical music to Erzurum, held its inaugural concert in front of a large audience. An unforgettable evening was provided for art enthusiasts at the concert conducted at Milli İrade Hall at Atatürk University on July 15.
The concert was conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ozan Gülüm from the Kazım Karabekir Faculty of Education, Department of Fine Arts Education, and featured one of our country's prominent cellists, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilbağ Tokay, as the guest soloist. the Chamber Orchestra effectively performed distinguished pieces of classical music, featuring a diverse array of talented musicians from various instrument groups.
The concert was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Deputy Mayor Serhat Akyüz of the Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Reyhan Keleş and Prof. Dr. Yüksel Göktaş, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department Ergün Engin, Turkish Folk Music Artist Mehmet Çalmaşur, and Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu and his wife Prof. Dr. Esra Hacımüftüoğlu.
Rector Hacımüftüoğlu Highlights the Universal and Unifying Influence of Art
Prior to the concert, Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu underscored the universal and unifying influence of art and underscored that Atatürk University operates with a pioneering perspective in both scientific and social and cultural domains. In his speech, Hacımüftüoğlu made the following statements: "Our University, which has made significant contributions to education and science since its inception with its numerous services in the socio-cultural field, is not only constructing the memory and literature of today but also the future through the knowledge it generates and all the scientific and artistic productions it undertakes."
Art education is not solely concerned with emotions and aesthetics; it also enhances mental processes. The Chamber Orchestra, which was conceived with this comprehension, embodies the aspect of art that elevates the individual to their true selves and transports them from the local to the universal. I am of the opinion that this formation, which I regard as a critical step in the revival, preservation, and introduction of our archaic musical tradition to the world using contemporary techniques, will also elevate our University to a prominent position in the artistic community. I would like to express my gratitude to our orchestra, our esteemed artists, and all of our team members for their contributions on this occasion.
The Atatürk University Chamber Orchestra received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the concert, as the audience was able to experience the elegance of classical music through the works that were performed throughout the evening. The hope of art enthusiasts was that this significant gathering would serve as the beginning of an enduring tradition.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE – 13.06.2025