December 6, 2026 – AKM ISTANBUL

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and world-renowned “Magic Flute” artist Şefika Kutluer, who has brought pride to our country with her international achievements, blends the melodies of her flute—which embody the spirit of Anatolia—with the musical traditions of Al-Andalus and Latin America, building a musical bridge between cultures. Accompanying the artist on this unique musical journey is Ricardo Moyano, a master guitarist from Argentina, winner of the Madrid Conservatory Grand Prize, and the artist behind numerous albums.

The depth of Anatolia, the passion of Andalusia, and the exuberance of Latin America come together on a single stage. Reserve your seat now to witness the passionate dialogue between the flute and the guitar and not miss this transcontinental musical feast!

17th INTERNATIONAL ŞEFİKA KUTLUER FESTIVAL

“The Magical Flute”: A Musical Encounter Between East and West

December 6, 2026

AKM Theater Hall – 8:00 PM

“3 GEOGRAPHIES, 1 PASSION”

“ANATOLIA – ANDALUSIA – LATIN AMERICA”

“THE MAGIC FLUTE: ŞEFİKA KUTLUER – RICARDO MOYANO, GUITAR”

With countless concerts performed across five continents worldwide and 17 albums she recorded, Şefika Kutluer is one of Turkey’s leading cultural ambassadors; she is the recipient of the “Italian State Order,” the “Austrian State Gold Order,” the “Kazakhstan State Order of Culture,” and the “Golden State Medal of Honor of the Slovak Republic.” She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Furthermore, she is the artist who received the “Presidential Grand Award for Culture and the Arts” in the award’s first year, in recognition of her contributions to Turkish culture.

All of Kutluer’s CDs have received the “Gallo Gold CD Award” and are released by Gallo International under the “Gold CD Collection” label. Furthermore, his album *Carmen Fantasy*, released by Sony Classical, was honored with the “Sony Masterworks” “Gold CD” award.

Şefika Kutluer, known in the world of classical music by the title “The Magic Flute” bestowed by The New York Times, was honored with the “BraVo International Best Classical Music Performer Award”—one of Russia’s most prestigious awards—by a jury composed of international authorities, and received her award at a ceremony held at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. She performed a concert accompanied by the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra.

The 17th International Şefika Kutluer Festival, themed “East Meets West” and organized by State Artist Şefika Kutluer, continues at the Ankara CSO ADA Blue Hall.

THE INTERNATIONAL ŞEFİKA KUTLUER FESTIVAL HAS BEEN RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY FOR 17 YEARS

For 17 years—including during the pandemic—the International Şefika Kutluer Festival has continued without interruption, becoming an established institution and attracting the keen interest of art lovers. Şefika Kutluer, who both organizes the festival and serves as the soloist in its concerts, has been bringing artists, orchestras, and conductors from many countries to Turkey by leveraging the international connections she has built over the years….

Beginning in Ankara in 2010 and expanding to various cities across Anatolia in subsequent years, the “International Şefika Kutluer Festival” has, to date, featured artists, orchestras, and conductors from countries ranging from Germany to Russia, China to Mexico, Korea to Greece, Austria to the United States, and Portugal to Luxembourg, from Khakassia to Slovenia, from Serbia to the Czech Republic, from Kosovo to Kazakhstan, from Switzerland to Montenegro, from Poland to Lithuania, from the United Kingdom to France, from Albania to Israel, and to Spain—featuring a diverse array of performances, exhibitions, and presentations.

The International Şefika Kutluer Festival was named first place in the “Best Festival” category at the “Ace of MICE Awards 2020,” considered the Oscars of the events industry.