39th International Izmir Festival
The 39th International Izmir Festival will once again bring Izmir together with world-class artists between 4 June – 8 July 2026.
The festival will unite the flawless acoustics of Ahmed Adnan Saygun Arts Centre (AASSM), the ancient spirit of Agora, the grandeur of Celsus, and the sea breeze of Çeşme Castle. The programme aims to embrace art lovers of all ages and tastes, ranging from classical music to jazz-infused trumpet dialogues and modern film scores.
- Attendance at the concerts requires a reservation.
- As venue capacities are limited, those wishing to attend may fill in the relevant form at iksev.org.
- Tickets for the 39th International Izmir Festival will go on sale through BILETIX on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
Read more about the 39th International Izmir Festival in our EFA Monthly Digest June 2026.
Check out the festival programme
4 June - “The Mediterranean Spirit of Music” concert
The festival will open magnificently with the concert “The Mediterranean Spirit of Music” featuring legendary guitarist Pablo Sainz-Villegas and the Festival Chamber Orchestra.10 June - The Voice of Balance and Emotion: Notos Quartet
Regarded as a global reference point among piano quartets, the Notos Quartet consists of Sindri Lederer (violin), Andrea Burger (viola), Benjamin Lai (cello), and Antonia Köster (piano).12 June - Energy Carried from Tradition to the Future: Quatuor Magenta
The quartet, comprising Ida Derbesse (violin), Elena Watson-Perry (violin), Claire Pass-Lanneau (viola), and Fiona Robson (cello), joins the festival with a distinguished programme featuring works by women composers. The concert “Europe with Women Composers,” held in collaboration with the İzmir French Cultural Centre- 17 June - A Trumpet Dialogue Across Cultures
Matthias Höfs, one of the most important representatives of the German trumpet tradition in the world, and Tolga Bilgin, one of the most talented trumpeters Turkey has produced, will share the same stage, presenting a global musical dialogue showcasing their command of both classical and jazz music.
18 June - A Mythological Encounter: Earth and Sky
Bringing together Swiss pan flutist Michel Tirabosco and harpist Şirin Pancaroğlu, “Earth and Sky” presents the thousands-of-years-old story of mythological and mystical instruments that have connected the divine and the earthly throughout history, in a contemporary interpretation.23 June - Bel Canto and Romanticism: Italian Tones
Will take audiences on a 65-minute journey spanning from the golden age of Italian opera in the 19th century to the Verismo movement. The concert will allow us to discover “Italian Tones” across a wide spectrum from the mastery of Rossini to the drama of Verdi and the passion of Puccini.29 June - Classics from Poland
One of the most brilliant virtuosos of our time, Agatha Szymczewska, and the recipient of all major international awards, the artist will perform works by Polish composers accompanied by pianist Wojciech Szymczewski.- 8 July - An Epic Journey Under the Stars
La Chapelle Sauvage, conducted by Belgian conductor Karel De Wilde, will deliver an epic closing with a selection of Hans Zimmer’s immortal film scores.