Fethiye will be the heart of classical music: Preparation for the 13th Benyamin Sönmez Festival

Fethiye is preparing to host the universal tones of classical music again this summer. The Fethiye Classical Music Festival, organized to commemorate cellist Benyamin Sönmez, who passed away at the young age of 28 on November 30, 2011, and to support young musicians, will be held for the 13th time this year. Speaking before the meeting held within the scope of the festival, Benyamin Sönmez's mother, Fatma Sönmez, stated that the event is organized both to honor her son's memory and to create opportunities for new musicians. Sönmez emphasized that the primary goal of the festival is not commercial gain, but entirely to contribute to the development of art. "The aim of this festival is both to encourage young musicians and to keep my son's memory alive. I invite all the people of Fethiye, they are welcome to come," said Fatma Sönmez, adding that the event continues with voluntary and sponsorship support.

Concerts starting at 21:00 will be held at Beşkaza Square on June 26-27-28 this year. On the first day of the festival, artists with autism will take the stage. Young musicians will offer the audience a special night with piano and qanun performances. At the closing concert of the festival, artist friends whom Benyamin Sönmez valued greatly during his lifetime will perform with piano and cello.

Fatma Sönmez stated that one of the biggest needs during the festival was a piano and that this issue was resolved with the support of a philanthropist, saying, “We used to have difficulties with the piano every year, but thankfully a friend took it upon themselves and now we have our own piano.” The festival, which brings classical music to the heart of Fethiye, continues to be a cultural meeting point by providing a stage opportunity for both local and young artists.