Through the many initiatives it has launched over the years, Nef has contributed to society, sports, education, science, and numerous social causes. Now, with Nef Sanat, the company is bringing a fresh perspective to the world of arts. This special concert, bringing together internationally renowned artists with music lovers, will take place on 17 January at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) Türk Telekom Stage.
Committed to creating social value and believing in the unifying and restorative power of art, Nef is introducing Nef Sanat, a new platform that will host a wide range of cultural events for art enthusiasts.
Conducted by Orhan Şallıel, with the artistic direction of Murat Salim Tokaç, the inaugural concert will feature two internationally acclaimed performers: countertenor Nils Wanderer, whose remarkable rise has attracted global attention in the opera world, and Chingiz Osmanov, one of the leading representatives of the St. Petersburg violin school. Together, they will present an unforgettable musical experience for audiences in Istanbul.
“The Universal Language of Music Strengthens Human Connections”
Created to support the arts and bring music lovers together, Nef Sanat builds upon the success of the Nef Philharmonic Orchestra, which has been active for the past four years. Having previously organised concerts in Istanbul and Ankara around distinctive themes, Nef now aims to begin 2023 by presenting internationally renowned artists through its new cultural initiative.
Speaking about the project, Erden Timur, Chairman of the Board of Nef, said:
“Freedom is humanity’s most fundamental need, and art is one of its greatest expressions. Investing in the arts is essential for societies to become more conscious, prosperous, and resilient. The value a society places on creativity and freedom of expression is directly reflected in the strength of its artistic culture.”
Timur also highlighted the company’s broader commitment to social responsibility:
“At Nef, we feel a responsibility to contribute to society. We want people to be free, happy, and able to live fulfilling lives. Through the Nef Foundation, we have touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. We have invested in sports, arts, science, education, and young people. Every initiative has created meaningful social value while helping individuals feel more empowered and inspired. We are delighted to introduce Nef Sanat, which will connect audiences through the universal language of music. Languages, cultures, and histories may differ, but music is one of the few things capable of bringing people together in a truly meaningful way.”
Timur added that Nef Sanat will continue to host distinguished artists from across many artistic disciplines while promoting greater cultural awareness.
A First at the AKM Türk Telekom Opera Hall
One of the evening’s featured performers, Nils Wanderer, has attracted international recognition through a series of major competition victories since 2021. Regarded as one of opera’s brightest emerging talents, he has received invitations from leading European opera houses, including Die Deutsche Oper am Rhein, and is expected to be one of the standout artists of the 2023–24 season.
Celebrated for his distinctive voice, stage presence, and acting ability, Wanderer most recently won Second Prize at Operalia 2022, the prestigious international opera competition founded by Plácido Domingo. Shortly afterwards, he signed with the world-renowned classical music label Deutsche Grammophon, marking another milestone in his rapidly advancing career.
This gala concert by the Nef Philharmonic Orchestra will offer Istanbul’s classical music and opera audiences a unique concert experience unlike any previously presented at the venue.
Masters of Music Take the Stage
Violinist Chingiz Osmanov, recognised as one of today’s outstanding violinists, has been a member of the St. Petersburg Chamber Orchestra Soloists since 2002 and has served as Concertmaster of the St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra since 2013.
Throughout his career, Osmanov has appeared as both a soloist and chamber musician at prestigious venues including Aram Nuri Concert Hall (Goyang), Rosengarten Hall (Mannheim), the London Coliseum, the Israeli Opera House (Tel Aviv), the Moscow International House of Music, and Glazunov Hall.
An Internationally Acclaimed Conductor
Conductor Orhan Şallıel has built a distinguished career spanning classical music, Turkish music, and orchestral performance. Following his appointments with the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, the Bursa Regional State Symphony Orchestra, and the Antalya State Symphony Orchestra, he currently serves as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Çukurova State Symphony Orchestra.
Internationally, Şallıel has conducted orchestras across the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the United States, China, Mexico, Japan, Spain, Poland, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Hungary, South Korea, Qatar, and Russia, while also serving as Principal Guest Conductor of the EAFIT Symphony Orchestra in Medellín, Colombia.
Where World Music Meets Turkish Music
Alongside his distinguished medical career, Professor Dr. Murat Salim Tokaç began his musical journey in 1991 as a ney and tanbur performer with the Samsun State Classical Turkish Music Choir under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. He became the choir’s conductor in 2004, and in 2007 was appointed Artistic Director of the Istanbul State Turkish Music Research and Performance Ensemble, which he founded.
Combining artistic excellence with academic achievement, Tokaç has performed internationally as both a soloist and ensemble musician. His comprehensive scholarly work on the compositions of the great Ottoman composer Itrî, widely regarded as one of the masters of Classical Turkish Music, represents a significant contribution to Türkiye’s cultural heritage.
