The Ankara State Opera and Ballet (ADOB) recently made history by staging the world premiere of ‘Çelebi,’ a highly anticipated opera composed by the renowned Cemal Reşit Rey with a libretto by his brother Ekrem Reşit Rey. The premiere, which took place at the Ankara Opera House, was met with great enthusiasm and excitement from both the audience and critics alike.
The opera tells the story of a young man, Çelebi, who is torn between his love for his homeland and his desire to explore the world. Set in 19th century Ottoman Empire, the opera beautifully captures the cultural and political climate of the time, making it a truly immersive experience for the audience.
The music, composed by Cemal Reşit Rey, is a perfect blend of traditional Turkish melodies and Western opera. It seamlessly weaves together different musical styles, creating a unique and captivating sound that is both familiar and refreshing. The libretto, written by Ekrem Reşit Rey, is equally impressive, with its poetic language and powerful storytelling.
The cast, led by the talented soprano Ayşe Şenogul, delivered an outstanding performance, bringing the characters to life with their powerful voices and emotional depth. The stage design, costumes, and lighting were also top-notch, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience for the audience.
The premiere of ‘Çelebi’ was a long-awaited event, as the opera had been in development for several years. The Rey brothers, who are both highly respected figures in the Turkish music scene, had been working on the opera for over a decade, and their dedication and hard work paid off in the form of a truly magnificent production.
The ADOB, under the leadership of its artistic director, Murat Karahan, has been making great strides in promoting Turkish opera and ballet on a global scale. With its world-class productions and talented performers, the ADOB has become a cultural hub for opera and ballet lovers from all over the world. The premiere of ‘Çelebi’ is yet another testament to the ADOB’s commitment to excellence and its mission to showcase the best of Turkish culture to the world.
The audience at the premiere was a diverse mix of opera enthusiasts, music critics, and government officials, all of whom were impressed by the quality and originality of the production. The opera received a standing ovation, with many praising the Rey brothers for their exceptional work and the ADOB for its flawless execution.
In an interview after the premiere, Cemal Reşit Rey expressed his joy and gratitude for finally seeing his opera come to life on stage. He also thanked the ADOB for their support and dedication in bringing his vision to reality. His brother, Ekrem Reşit Rey, added that he was proud to have collaborated with his brother on such a significant project and hoped that the opera would continue to be performed for many years to come.
The premiere of ‘Çelebi’ has not only been a milestone for Turkish opera but also a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication. It is a celebration of Turkish culture, music, and history, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the Ankara State Opera and Ballet’s world premiere of ‘Çelebi’ has been a resounding success, captivating audiences and critics with its beautiful music, powerful storytelling, and exceptional performances. It is a shining example of the ADOB’s commitment to excellence and a proud moment for Turkish opera. We can only hope that this opera will continue to be performed and appreciated for many years to come, both in Turkey and around the world.