KUSAV Chairman Levent Köylü and CineMoon Ensemble Founder and Artistic Director, Merve Kenet Bulun. PIC: Kuşadası Belediyesi
Kusadasi, Turkiye: As the sun set below the horizon and the soft glow of twilight enveloped the coastal town of Kuşadası, Türkiye, the enchanting notes of classical and cinematic music danced in the air.
The CineMoon Ensemble, a gathering of skilled musicians and a brainchild of artistic brilliance, concluded its series of concerts on a resounding high note, leaving audiences awestruck and emotionally moved. The Ensemble is a member of the Qatar Philharmomic Orchestra (QPO).
Under the banner of the “Kuşadası Güvercinada Dinletileri” (Kuşadası Güvercinada Musical Concerts) programme, organised by the Kuşadası Golden Pigeon Culture, Art, and Promotion Foundation (KUSAV) and the Kuşadası Municipality, the CineMoon Ensemble graced the municipality for the second consecutive year.
The concerts, held at the iconic Kervansaray, showcased the ensemble’s fusion of symphonic and popular music, captivating the hearts of both local residents and visitors.
Expressing his delight, KUSAV Chairman Levent Köylü remarked that CineMoon’s performance showcases a captivating array of symphonic diversity, which is why their concerts continue to draw in a substantial and enthusiastic audience. The success of these concerts has paved the way for an even grander event next year, promising an even more substantial musical experience, he said.
Merve Kenet Bulun, the Founder and Artistic Director of CineMoon Ensemble, exuded pride in bringing her musical vision to her hometown. With emotion in her voice, she shared: “I am proud because the concerts were held in my hometown, and people are so friendly and proud about me and CineMoon.”
The ambition of CineMoon Ensemble stretches beyond geographical boundaries. Bulun unveiled the Ensemble’s aspiration to become a global musical entity, sharing their harmonious message with audiences worldwide. “This is just the start,” she stressed, hinting at a promising trajectory that lies ahead.
Her message to the local audience conveyed the concept that nature carries an inherent musical rhythm. This was an attempt to visually demonstrate and rekindle an impactful reminder among people, highlighting the profound influence of music on human emotions.
The concerts, themed “All About Dance” and “The Seventh Art & Music,” ingeniously wove together iconic film scores and captivating dance melodies, taking the audience on an unforgettable journey through emotions and memories.
The August 24 performance, titled “The Seventh Art & Music,” began with a delightful surprise as CineMoon Ensemble Conductor Giovanni Pasini rushed onto the stage holding a Pink Panther plush toy, playfully mimicking conducting. Laughter erupted, setting the tone for the evening. The programme included an array of beloved compositions, from the timeless “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s to the dramatic themes of Star Wars and Schindler’s List, among others.
Lorena Manescu, Co-founder and Concertmaster of CineMoon Ensemble, highlighted the synergy between the musicians and the audience. She explained: “All this collective energy focused on you inspires you even further and triggers certain emotions… audience like pieces that are fast and loud, so I can say that half of the programme was like that.”
Giovanni Pasini, the conductor, noted the unique audience engagement in Kuşadası, stating, “The idea behind CineMoon is to offer classical music but also pop and film music, in a way that is giving people the appetite to listen for more.” The ensemble’s approach, oscillating between theatricality and solemnity, resonated deeply with the audience, creating an immersive experience, he said.
Kirill Bogatyrev, the cellist, and Jihoon Shin, the flutist, both praised the emotional connection with the Turkish audience.
Jihoon Shin acknowledged the challenges of an open-air performance, stressing the unpredictability of elements like wind and heat. However, the uniqueness of the setting added an irreplaceable charm to the concerts, making the preparations and efforts worthwhile.
German Diaz Blanco, the oboist, lauded the intimate setting of the concerts, enabling the audience to appreciate the individual talents of each musician. This connection between performers and listeners elevated the atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie, he said.
Former QPO member and violinist, Mariya Medvedeva shared her joy at returning to Türkiye for these performances. She praised the warm welcome and professionalism of the festival organisers and expressed her enthusiasm for playing with the CineMoon Ensemble.
Meanwhile, joining the Ensemble on the August 24 concert are Levent Köylü as the narrator; Melisa Yenal, Coloratura Soprano; Hacer Özlü, Double Bass; Beste Gürkey, Drum Set and Percussion; and Ali Ayaz, Drum Set.
As the echoes of the final notes reverberated through the night, it was evident that the CineMoon Ensemble had achieved something beyond musical excellence; they had woven a tapestry of emotions, memories, and shared experiences that would linger in the hearts of the audience for years to come.
In the glow of the Turkish moonlight, the harmonious melodies of CineMoon Ensemble had united people, transcending cultural boundaries and proving that music truly is a universal language. As Merve Kenet Bulun aptly stated, “This is just the start.” The CineMoon Ensemble’s journey to become a global phenomenon has only just begun, promising more enchanting chapters that will resonate with audiences around the world.
