CineMoon Ensemble performing in Kusadasi.
Kusadasi, Turkiye: Nestled along the breathtaking Turkish coastline lies Kuşadası, a city with a history as rich as its panoramic views. Stepping onto this picturesque canvas, one can’t help but notice the symphony of culture and art resonating through its streets. At the heart of this artistic resurgence stands the Kuşadası Golden Pigeon Culture, Art, and Promotion Foundation (KUSAV), led by its visionary chairman, Levent Köylü.
Established in 2019, KUSAV’s mission transcends mere establishment; it’s about orchestrating a vibrant cadence that contributes to the city’s promotion on both the local and global stages. Kuşadası, home to the world’s fifth-largest cruise port, serves as the perfect backdrop for KUSAV’s grand aspirations.
KUSAV’s partnership with the Kuşadası Municipality yielded remarkable fruits. The Ada Modern Art Gallery, Kuşadası’s first modern art haven, materialised through this collaboration, a testament to the foundation’s commitment to cultural elevation.
“In cooperation with Kuşadası Municipality and KUSAV, many events such as Neopolis Sculpture Symposium, Güvercinada Music Concerts, Maffy Jazz Days, Golden Pigeon Pop Music Composition Competition and Kuşadası Street Festival were realised,” he told The Peninsula.
Levent Köylü, Chairman of the Kuşadası Golden Pigeon Culture, Art, and Promotion Foundation
Within the city’s historical embrace lies Güvercinada, a peninsula adorned with a UNESCO-listed heritage site. KUSAV, together with the Kuşadası Municipality, embarked on a harmonious endeavor - Güvercinada Music Concerts. This initiative, launched three years ago, transformed the castle and Karvansaray into a summer-long music sanctuary, resonating with melodies of both national and international acclaim.
Among the groups that graced Güvercinada’s stages, the CineMoon Ensemble shines resplendently. A constellation of accomplished musicians and members of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, this Ensemble adds a unique global dimension to Kuşadası’s cultural soundscape. Köylü remarked that Cinemoon Ensemble stands out from other bands due to their exceptional musicians from different countries.
The diplomatic rapport between Qatar and Türkiye lends an additional layer of resonance. Köylü emphasised the profound potential of shared cultural and artistic aspirations in bolstering bilateral ties. CineMoon Ensemble’s performances in Kuşadası act as the overture to an enchanting bilateral exchange, with discussions already underway for local artists to enrapture Qatar.
As these dialogues unfold, Köylü himself will be travelling to Doha in the coming month. His presence at the QPO concerts amplifies the resonance of cultural diplomacy, solidifying the bridge between the two nations.
Köylü elaborated on the magic of unconventional settings for musical symphonies. The fusion of historical and natural splendor with soul-stirring music creates an ambiance that transcends mere auditory pleasure. Köylü affirmed: “Guests coming to tourism regions do not prefer closed places similar to those in their own cities. Our guests enjoy listening to concerts in historical and natural places more and show more interest in our events. On this occasion, we introduce the valuable places we have.”
KUSAV’s role in nurturing classical music’s legacy is equally striking. Köylü explained that classical music, as a universal language, belongs to the world, transcending boundaries. The foundation provides platforms for gifted young artists, an investment in the future, and a tribute to the historical resonance of classical music.
“Before the events we will hold every year, we get in touch with valuable artists from a wide variety of music genres. We ask them to prepare special programmes and projects for us as much as possible. This gives our audience the chance to see different experiences in Kuşadası for the first time.”
“Kuşadası Güvercinada Concerts increase the number of their audience day by day, thanks to the historical venues they use and the valuable artists they invite. The special sensitivity and contributions of the Mayor of Kuşadası, Ömer Günel, on these issues are very valuable for the realisation of these events. As the cooperation between the two institutions continues and the public institutions and sponsors to support us increase, it will be possible to realise larger international projects.”
Reflecting on KUSAV’s journey, Köylü highlighted the transformative power of culture and art. The foundation’s endeavors, aligned with the modern aspirations of Kuşadası, kindle aesthetic awareness and cultivate a modern identity for the city.
“The increase in quality works in the field of culture and art and the continuity of them cause an increase in the aesthetic concerns of the society. Art is one of the sine qua non of being a modern city. We try to contribute as much as we can to Kuşadası, which aims to be a city that tries to express itself through art and music.”
In the heart of Kuşadası, where azure seas meet historical grandeur, KUSAV’s symphony unfolds. It’s a harmony of culture, diplomacy, and aspiration that resonates not only through the cobbled streets but also across the global stage. Under Köylü’s leadership, KUSAV crafts a legacy of cultural elevation, rendering Kuşadası a true haven for the arts, and orchestrates a symphony of creativity that resonates not only within historical walls but also within the hearts of those who wander through its melodic tapestry.
