Women's Voice Türkei: Serenad Bagcan & Fazıl Say
Theater und Philharmonie Essen, Alfried Krupp Saal (Essen)
Commissioned by the Istanbul Music Festival, pianist and composer Fazıl Say created "Dünya Anne" (Mother Earth), a song cycle based on Turkish women poets, to mark the Turkish Republic's centennial. The cycle reflects on Turkey's past and present and explores themes of inner struggles, peace, kindness, light, and enduring hope. Serenad Bağcan, whose voice Say had "searched for years," performs the songs.