THE DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FINE ARTS MUST ISSUE A STATEMENT!

HE GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF FINE ARTS MUST ISSUE A STATEMENT!

While the State Opera and Ballet and the State Theaters are continuing to hold events for children as part of the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day celebrations, it is unacceptable that the children’s concerts planned by our State Symphony Orchestras for the same date were announced as canceled via social media accounts without any official justification.

April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day is not only the historic day marking the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey but also our only holiday dedicated to children. In the shadow of the recent tragic events, the value of art, music, and shared joy is even greater today for our children.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has planned numerous events for this special day. While children’s performances continue at the State Opera and Ballet and the State Theaters, the cancellation or postponement of children’s concerts by the State Symphony Orchestras under the General Directorate of Fine Arts—especially the announcement of this decision without disclosing its rationale or the authority that ordered it—is not merely a routine program change.

This decision disregards the efforts of parents who purchased tickets days in advance, children eagerly awaiting the concert day, and artists who have been preparing for months. More importantly, it deprives children of their right to experience art on a national holiday.

On this meaningful day dedicated to children, the public must be given a clear and straightforward explanation as to why the State Symphony Orchestras’ children’s concerts have been canceled. The authorities responsible for this decision must not remain silent out of a sense of responsibility toward the audience and the public; the General Directorate of Fine Arts must issue an immediate statement regarding this situation.

THE BLAME FOR CONCERT CANCELLATIONS CANNOT BE SHIFTED TO ORCHESTRA MANAGEMENT THROUGH TELEPHONE INSTRUCTIONS!

It is unacceptable to leave orchestra boards of directors and managers—who have been working selflessly to bring these programs to children—in a state of uncertainty without a written directive.

The concert cancellation announcements we have unfortunately encountered frequently in recent times—which are unjustified, do not specify which authority issued them, and cast a shadow of suspicion over our orchestras—constitute a grave disrespect toward our people, our audiences, and cultural workers.

Our union is closely monitoring this process in all its dimensions.