Presidential Symphony Orchestra Performs for United Nations Anniversary in Ankara

The Presidential Symphony Orchestra marked the 79th anniversary of the United Nations with a concert at Ankara’s CSO Ada Concert Hall. Nearly 2000 guests attended, including the UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi and representatives of the UN agencies in Türkiye. 

The performance was directed by Andreas Ottensamer, the first clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor of world-renowned ensembles.

Joining the orchestra as the evening’s soloist was Ellinor D'Melon, an acclaimed 20-year-old violinist who has performed with prestigious orchestras like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Petersburg Symphony, and RTE National Symphony Orchestra. She played her historic 1743 Giovanni Battista Guadagnini violin, captivating the audience with her artistry.

The program featured classical masterpieces such as Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, Pablo de Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen and Carmen Fantasy, and Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 7 in D minor.

On behalf of the UN Country Team in Türkiye, Dr. Ahonsi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism for dedicating the concert to the UN's anniversary. In his message for the concert program booklet, Dr. Ahonsi remarked, “In a world moving from crisis to crisis—whether through conflict, climate emergencies, or rising inequalities—music transcends borders, cultures, and challenges, uniting, inspiring, and healing.”

He also noted that the recently adopted Pact for the Future reaffirms the UN's commitment to preventing conflict, fostering peace, and promoting sustainable development as essential to a peaceful and inclusive world. “Let us celebrate music’s role in bridging divides and nurturing the spirit of peace and sustainable development,” Dr. Ahonsi concluded