Sala: Hagia Eirene Museum, Istanbul

An occasionally uneven but often searing set of performances from the Tekfen Philharmonic and cellist Daniel Muller-Schott. 

Imaginative Bach and an exciting new work by Dobrinka Tabakova played by the Amsterdam Sinfonietta with pianists Ferhan and Ferzan Önder.

Philip Glass' Eleventh Symphony, given its Turkish première at the Istanbul Music Festival, returns to his signature repetitive style. 

Berlin Philharmonic cellists combine with Turkish counterparts for a dazzling performance in Istanbul.

Visiting Russian players offer sophisticated Brahms and sensitive Elgar in Istanbul.

Ravel and Prokofiev offer divergent views on the piano left-hand concerto, but fine performances ensure satisfying contrast.

Although Beethoven was none too fond of despots, self-proclaimed emperors, or religious intuitions, one can image his approbation for Justinian’s stupendous Hagia Eirene basilica as a perfect venue for his music. 

The five musicians on stage performed just like a well-oiled machine in Dvořák's Op. 81 Piano Quintet’s devilishly tricky coda.