"A boisterous energy that disarms criticism."The Times Classical tradition charged with the intoxicating spirit of Istanbul! INTRODUCTION Widely acclaimed as an exotic rising star with a unique voice, in just sixteen years since its formation, the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra has won international recognition for its recordings and concerts at prestigious festivals and venues including the Salzburg Festival and Vienna Musikverein. The orchestra’s roof-raising performance at the 2014 BBC Proms has further demonstrated its excellence in showcasing music from different traditions. Artistic Director since 2009, Vienna-born Sascha Goetzel's trademarks are conviction and passion, as audiences and critics around the world have noted. Their two concerts in Hong Kong explore the eastern roots of 19th and 20th-century European music with colourful, richly orchestrated works. Rimsky-Korsakov’s dazzling Scheherazade based on 1001 Nights has become the orchestra’s signature piece. Sir James MacMillan’s “big virtuoso concerto in late 19th century mould” (The Guardian) written for and performed in Hong Kong by the great Vadim Repin is its perfect complement. The second concert brings Balakirev’s showpiece Islamey, as well as eastern-themed ballet and dance music by Respighi and Schulhoff. International star soloist Gülsin Onay joins to perform the piano concerto by “a titan of Turkish music” (The New York Times), A A Saygun. Much more than Turkish delight! PROGRAMME 15 Feb F Tüzün Capriccio à la Turque James Macmillan Violin Concerto Violin: Vadim Repin Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade, Op 35 16 Feb E Schulhoff Ogelala (Suite from Ballet), Op 53 A A Saygun Piano Concerto No 1, Op 34 Piano: Gülsin Onay Balakirev Islamey, Op 18 Respighi Belkis, Queen of Sheba (Suite for Orchestra), P177