31 August 2009 / ABDURRAHMAN BÜYÜKKESKIN, MANAVGAT
The events calendar for the 9th Side International Culture and Art Festival in Antalya has been announced, with the festival opening with a piano recital by internationally renowned Turkish pianist Gülsin Onay at the Temple of Apollo on Sept. 5.
Discussing programming for the event, Side Mayor Abdulkadir Uçar said the week-long festival will take place at the Temple of Apollo and at a historical harbor due to restoration at the Side ancient theater. He also highlighted that they have applied to the European Festivals Association (EFA) in order to include the Side festival on the international official festivals agenda in an attempt to promote the festival worldwide. Noting that the theme of this year's festival will be the meeting of history, culture and art in Side, Uçar said they wanted to show that Side is also rich in culture and art as well as its sea and beaches. “Our festival will also feature famous jazz artists from the US. The activities will end in the evening of Sept. 12 with a concert by three Turkish opera artists. In addition we will also give a special jury award and a special culture and art award to one artist this year,” he added.
