Culture & Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay was in attendance at the opening gala.

The Ankara State Opera and Ballet took the stage on the gala on August 15th with "SYNC and Carmina Burana".

"Los Vivancos: 7 Hermanos" from Spain, this year's guest country, will perform on August 19th. The group established by seven brothers in 2004, is considered one of the most famous flamenco groups in the world and known as the "Magnificent Seven".

On August 22nd, the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Group will greet the audience with "Rosegarden (Güldestan)" by Beyhan Murphy. Rosegarden was inspired by Murphy and Mercan Dede from nomadic roots. It presents lives along with an inner search in a lyrical manner and using free-form language. This new journey, which Murphy derived from the repertoire she has formed by drawing on different characteristics of Turkey, acquires new breath with the interpretation of Mercan Dede.

The second Spanish guest of the festival is "Flamencoriental". The group, whose artistic director is famous choreographer Antonio Najarro, will perform its show on August 26th with a fusion of Spanish flamenco music and different oriental music styles.

The festival will end on August 29th with the Izmir State Opera and Ballet's performance "Sinirin Asildigi Noktalar" (Points of The Crossing Borders)".

AA