Turkish flutist Bayramogullari, Greek composer Papadopulos meet in Athens concert

Turkish flutist Lelya Bayramogullari and Greek pianist and composer Vasilis Papadopulos came together for a concert at the Turkish Embassy in Athens.

The event was hosted by Türkiye's Ambassador to Athens Cagatay Erciyes and brought together foreign ambassadors based in the Greek capital, Greek official representatives, business figures, and guests from the arts community.

Music frames shared cultural ground

The program included works by Ismail Dede Efendi, Fazil Say and Eugene Magalif, along with compositions written specifically for Bayramogullari by Magalif, Konstantinos Lignos and Papadopulos.

Among the pieces performed were Dede Efendi's "Yine Bir Gulnihal," Fazil Say's "Ballad No. 2 Kumru" and Magalif's "Nino Lindo." The composers Konstantinos Lignos and Eugene Magalif, whose works were featured in the concert, were also present.

At the end of the concert, Magalif accompanied Bayramogullari on piano for two additional pieces following requests from the audience.

Embassy event underlines Türkiye-Greece cultural ties

Before the concert, Ambassador Erciyes said the event served as a strong example of cultural ties and people-to-people closeness between Türkiye and Greece.

He pointed out that some of the works in the program had been composed by Greek artists for a Turkish flutist, describing this musical collaboration as a meaningful symbol of the strong bonds between the two peoples.

Erciyes also stressed the universal power of music, saying art helps build dialogue, mutual understanding and lasting friendships between societies.

Artists describe concert as bridge of friendship

Bayramogullari told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the concert helped build beautiful bridges for Turkish-Greek friendship. She said she had represented Türkiye through performances across five continents. "Composers who are inspired by my work write pieces for me. This year, I was even given the 'most inspiring flutist of the year' award in America," she said.

Papadopulos said he had met Bayramogullari in Antalya several years ago and that their cooperation had continued with pleasure since then.

He said Turkish and Greek artists and art lovers generally welcomed such cooperation warmly, adding, "I love all the works we played in this concert; we chose each of them one by one."

After the performance, guests met the artists at a reception held at the embassy.

AA