How would you like to hear notes live, without any change of transit? Just you, a grand hall and 3 different beautiful instruments played by equally beautiful people. 

This was the enchanting scene on the 13th of December at Albert Long Hall, a standout among Boğaziçi's classical music concerts. We were welcomed by 3 different instruments when we entered the hall. The flute, played by Aslıhan And, a seasoned performer renowned for countless concerts; Hüseyin Mehmetoğlu, the Viola Group Chef for Tekfen and İzmir State Opera and Ballet orchestras; and finally, the harp, played by Bahar Göksu who has collaborated with multiple renowned players and orchestras… 

At the start of the concert, an announcement was made by Ms. And, giving information about an error in the pedals of the instrument she was going to play, which resulted in slight changes to the concert program. Yet their professional handling of the problem made for a seamless transition — I didn’t even feel the change.

We started the program with a duet of the harp and flute. After two different pieces, Flute Sonata in E-Flat Major and Sonata No. 2 in Eb Major, played by Ms. And and Ms. Göksu together, the hall broke out into applause with enthusiasm and regard. You could hear small chats of approval and liking towards the performance within the historic walls of Albert Long Hall. Built in 1862, this hall has hosted countless classical music concerts such as the one I was experiencing. As chatter continued, Ms. And got up. She then started to tell the story of the next piece that was going to be played, Debussy’s Syrinx.

One of many famous myths involving a flute, this one told the story of the pan flute. Daughter of the river god Ladon, Syrinx was a lovely wood nymph. A creature in charge of forces of nature, she was known for her chastity. One day, returning from a hunt, she met Pan. The god of shepherds, wild and rustic music, who had legs and horns of a goat was also famous for his affiliation with seductive behavior. He showered the pure nymph with compliments, yet she remained unmoved by his advances. Undeterred, Pan persisted in his pursuit until Syrinx sought refuge among her sisters. In a bid to escape Pan's relentless attention, they transformed her into a reed. As the wind whispered through the reeds, the infatuated god couldn’t discern which one she became, so he gathered some of the reeds which produced an enchanting melody with wind and cut it into seven pieces, joining them side by side in decreasing length, thus creating his instrument — a pan flute.

The rendition of Syrinx was followed by Ms. And making her way to the front of the stage once more.  

“As you know, these concerts are known as classical music concerts and today's concert was all about romantic pieces. But now, I would like to play you a different one. In contrast with our past pieces, a recently written modern piece by Ian Clarke. This piece resembles an old train starting and ending its journey. Most importantly, it is known for its full use of all features of a flute.” 

With these words she introduced a departure from the evening's romantic repertoire and, true to her word, her rendition showcased the flute's full spectrum, a testament to her virtuosity.

Following this modern performance, both artists left the scene and returned with Mr. Mehmetoğlu. This time, with all three instruments present, they performed “Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp” by Claude Debussy. They performed the three parts of the piece one by one, each accompanied by attentive listeners. Lastly, Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla, a piece I had already been familiar with, started playing - yet I had never before heard it played live or with these instruments. 

This whole performance marked a first for me as a preparatory student of Boğaziçi and I enjoyed every minute of it. For you to have a little bit of insight into these programs, I made a list of the songs that were played, though I am certain nothing can replace the experience of hearing the instruments played live. I highly recommend you experience these concerts firsthand and give yourself some time to unwind.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/53JhLvH4lCchpH12W35JjO?si=LnMHijN3T_OzzT9h6RkGIw&pi=e-z0gxp5MVSU69