The world premiere of "Metamorph", composed in inspiration of Turkish music by Theo Loevendie, one of the most important composers of the Netherlands, was organized at Amsterdam Yunus Emre Institute on October 14, 2021. The concert, performed by Loevendie for the first time, acquired the acclaim of the Dutch audience. 91-year-old famous composer gave a statement before the program and mentioned that he knew the Turkish culture very well and that he established a bridge between Turkey and the Netherlands through his compositions.  Loevendie stated that his work had didactic value for the Dutch. With his unique style, Theo Loevendie explained how European music was influenced by the footsteps of the janissaries and mehter march and that the Europeans learned instruments such as drums and cymbals from Turks.

The works of Theo Loevendie, which were presented by an orchestra formed of many musicians of different combinations, were performed by Metamorphose trio comprised of Scottish clarinetist Jean Johnson, Russian pianist Ilona Timochenko and Dutch violinist Roeland Jagest with transitions from classical to jazz music.

TURKISH MARCH WAS ALSO PERFORMED

The concert also included the famous Piano Sonata No. 11 (Turkish March) of Mozart as well as the works of Dutch composer Leo Smit who died in Sobibor extermination camp in 1943 and Julius Engelbert Röntgen, one of the founders of the Amsterdam Conservatory.

At the end of the program, the famous artist received thanks with applause and flowers, and the compliments prepared especially by Amsterdam Yunus Emre Institute were presented to the guests.

"FROM SULTAN TO THE QUEEN" PIANO CONCERT

The piano recital called "From Sultan to the Queen" was organized in the historical building of Amsterdam Yunus Emre Institute on October 9, 2021.

During the program, which hosted Engin Arıkan, Consul General in Amsterdam, and received great interest from music lovers, Yıldız Technical University Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Evren Kutlay performed the works in the album, which is thought to be prepared by many different musicians on the request of the Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II. Musicologist Kutlay stated that in her research, she found that the Romanian Queen Elizabeth was a pianist and that she thought Sultan Abdülhamid II gifted the album dated 1876 to Elizabeth. Kutlay mentioned that Abdülhamid II closely followed the developments in the world music and used art quite well in diplomacy and said that Abdülhamid II was also an excellent pianist.

REVEALED IN AN AUCTION IN THE NETHERLANDS

This valuable album, which was found in an auction by Dr. Mehmet Tütüncü in 2018 and purchased by the Institute Director Abdullah Altay, is thought to be dated to 1876 and belong to the Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II.

Altay mentioned his pleasure in the performance of this work for the first time in front of an audience and expressed his pride in unearthing this valuable album.