The First Chamber Band in the World

KCI: CONTRIBUTIONS TO LOCAL ART & CULTURE
Despite being Turkey’s industrial heartland, Kocaeli nonetheless contains numberless natural and historical treasures. Having stood at the cross-roads of European and Asian civilisations for centuries, the region has preserved many features of this legacy. Naturally, any institution which counts itself as part of the service industry will feel obliged to perpetuate this inheritance and help display it for public benefit.
Besides this, Kocaeli also continues to be a nexus of immigration. By sharing the art and culture of their respective origins, the inhabitants come to understand and respect one another and the city derives greater cultural richness as a result.
 

                                                         KCI Musical Band

In view of the foregoing, the KCI prioritises participation in the support and promotion of art and culture, recognising their value in the overall drive to improve the quality of life.
One of the chief projects in this area is the KCI Spring Concerts Programme, a tradition maintained since 1996. No profit is sought from this undertaking, entry is free for all and the performances include many different varieties of music. Thus, for several years now, the region has been able to play host to world-famous musicians and ensembles who would not otherwise be seen here, to the gratification of the organisers and music-lovers generally.
That there is a pressing need for such events in Turkey generally, may be assumed from the enthusiastic public reception to the TEKFEN Symphony Orchestra Concerts, which have been running for four yeas now under the combined sponsorship of the TEKFEN Group and the KCI. On the classical side, Kocaeli has also hosted the Akbank Chamber Orchestra, the Sarkuysan TSM Choir and the Istanbul State Orchestra and Ballet.
In 2005 the KCI recognised that the demand for such entertainment merited a more professional approach to its organisation, and consequently engaged Hüseyin Baskadem as cultural consultant. On his recommendation to raise the profile, Jazz was included in the scheme: world-famous outfits such as the Beth Trollen Quintet and the Roseanna Vitro Trio, both from America, were invited to perform. After a very favourable response from the public, further such events are planned by the KCI.
In closing, mention must be made of the exhibitions of paintings, sculpture, photography, hand-crafts and fine arts held regularly at the KCI service building; the gratitude of local artists and art lovers to the institution for this support can be easily imagined.
Recently, as part of an exhibition, the KCI undertook to sponsor the printing and distribution of a Cemal Turgay retrospective volume, to mark the local master-photographer’s fiftieth year, an anniversary he shares with the Turkish Republic.
CONTACT:
Özlem AKYÜREK
Tel: 0 262 315 80 46
Fax: 0 262 321 90 70
e-mail: oakyurek@kosano.org.tr