The "Friendship Concert" has been staged in Turkey following its debut in Constanta as part of the event organized by Yunus Emre Institute to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Romania.

The concert was held at Elhamra Theater of İzmir State Opera and Ballet in cooperation between İzmir State Opera and Ballet and Romania-Constanta State Opera and Ballet with a select repertoire of Turkish and Romanian composers on Saturday, December 1.

Ramazan Yılmaz delivered a keynote speech during the program's Turkey instance, which was implemented during his office as the Director of Constanta Branch of Yunus Emre Institute, drawing attention to profound relationships of friendship between Turkey and Romania.

At the concert, Romanian guest conductor Vladimir Lungu, sopranos, Nicoleta Ardelean, Aytül Büyüksaraç, Laura Eftimie, Burçin Savigne, and Daniela Vladescu, and tenors, Razvan Sararu and Aydın Uştuk, and baritone Cengiz Sayın took the stage.

The first part of the concert started with the Turkish Dance, followed by the leading works of the Turkish folk music such as Efem, Köroğlu, Çökertme and Memleketim, and pieces from various operettas including Bırak Şarkı Söyleyeyim and Tuna'nın Dalgaları. During the event, Turkish and Romanian dancers' performance captivated the audience and the artists received standing ovations.

The program in İzmir ended with the presentation of plaques and flowers. The event was previously held in Constanta, Romania, on October 26 as part of the activities marking the 140th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.