March of Love Concert – New Manhattan Sinfonietta, Dec 19, 2025
Commemorating the Spirit of Rumi's Şeb-i Arus – A Celebration of Love & Harmony
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MARCH OF LOVE
“March of Love” is an inspiring evening that unites East and West through music, poetry, and profound spiritual reflection. Presented by Turkish Airlines, in collaboration with the Turkish American Arts Society of New York (TAASNY), the concert gathers world-class artists under the baton of Maestro Gürer Aykal, leading the acclaimed New Manhattan Sinfonietta.
The evening opens with an exhilarating performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, interpreted by award-winning pianist Can Çakmur. Celebrated as one of Mozart’s most lyrical and radiant works, this concerto sets an uplifting and emotionally rich tone for the night.
The second half offers a deeply spiritual tribute to Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. Accompanied by the New Manhattan Sinfonietta, Omar Faruk Tekbilek will perform two of his signature pieces, newly orchestrated for this concert by Maestro Aykal, marking a rare and distinguished artistic collaboration.
March of Love Concert
New Manhattan Sinfonietta
2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY
Dress Code
Dress to Impress – Elegant, Evening-Style Formal Wear.
*Children under 12 are not permitted at the concert.
Concert Program
Jonathan Granoff
President, Global Security Institute – International Lawyer & Peace Advocate
Topic: “Rumi’s Path of Unity: Spiritual Ethics in a Divided World.”
Dr. Vedat Obuz
Physician-Scientist, Inventor, Community Leader
Topic: “Healing as an Act of Love: Rumi’s Compassion in Practice.”
Maryam (Kythe) Heller
Poet & Harvard-Trained Scholar of Comparative Religion
Topic: “The Universal Poetics of Rumi: A Bridge Between Cultures.”
Omar Faruk Tekbilek – Vocals & Instruments
River Guerguerian – Percussion
Works Performed
Yunus
Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Composer: Omar Faruk Tekbilek
I Love You
Hasret
Orchestration: Gürer Aykal
New Manhattan Sinfonietta
New Manhattan Sinfonietta (NMS) is a New York City based orchestra founded by world renowned Turkish maestro Mr. Gürer Aykal. NMS will proudly perform concerts at a caliber that will match the taste and sophistication of the audiences in and out of New York. Mr. Aykal has enthusiastically established the New Manhattan Sinfonietta as his final orchestra project. NMS was originally conceived in 2017 by Gurer Aykal in collaboration with Turkish American Arts Society of New York (TAASNY).
GURER AYKAL
Conductor
Gürer Aykal is a world-renowned conductor whose refined musicianship has shaped major orchestras across Türkiye, Europe, and the United States. One of the first students of composer Ahmed Adnan Saygun, he trained at the Ankara State Conservatory, the Guildhall School of Music, and the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. Aykal has led ensembles including the London Philharmonic and the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra and is honored as a State Artist of Türkiye. He founded the New Manhattan Sinfonietta in New York with TAASNY, expanding his artistic vision.
CAN CAKMUR
Piano Soloist
Can Çakmur is an award-winning pianist whose poetic depth and intellectual clarity have earned him international acclaim. Winner of both the Hamamatsu and Scottish International Piano Competitions, he records Schubert’s complete piano works for BIS and performs in leading concert halls worldwide. His Schubert interpretations have been praised as among the finest of our time. Beyond his recordings, Çakmur is admired for his thoughtful programming and his ability to bring rare expressive insight to both classical and contemporary repertoire.
OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK
Guest Artist
Omar Faruk Tekbilek is an influential performer and composer whose work spans decades of creative exploration. Known for blending Middle Eastern traditions with modern musical forms, he brings expressive depth through his mastery of the ney, bağlama, oud, and percussion. His collaborations with major producers and ensembles have expanded his artistic reach. At the same time, his emotionally rich, spiritually informed style has earned him a lasting place as a distinctive and respected voice in global music. His recordings continue to inspire many worldwide.
RIVER GUERGUERIAN
Percussion
River Guerguerian is a dynamic percussionist, composer, and educator whose four-decade career blends global traditions with innovative rhythmic exploration. A sought-after collaborator, he has performed in major concert halls worldwide and recorded on hundreds of albums. His work unites ancient and modern percussion, sound research, and cross-cultural influences, creating an expressive artistic voice that continues to inspire diverse audiences and students.
HASAN ISAKKUT
Kanun - Composer
Hasan Isakkut is a distinguished kanun virtuoso and composer whose music bridges Classical Turkish traditions with contemporary world-jazz aesthetics. Known for his expressive technique and refined musicality, he has collaborated with leading artists including Richie Havens, Simon Shaheen, and Omar Faruk Tekbilek. His acclaimed albums and concert projects showcase a distinctive voice shaped by depth, clarity, and a timeless sense of storytelling.
Istanbul Historical Turkish Music Ensemble
Whirling Dervishes
The Whirling Dervishes of the Istanbul Historical Turkish Music Ensemble, under the Directorate General of Fine Arts of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, present the authentic heritage of the Mevlevi ceremony and spiritual music. Guided by centuries-old tradition, the ensemble’s disciplined artistry, refined aesthetic, and deeply symbolic movement offer audiences a powerful cultural experience rooted in devotion, harmony, and the timeless legacy of Anatolian Sufi culture.
Bedirhan Sezer
Vice President of TAASNY | Production Manager of NMS | Filmmaker & Cultural Producer
Bedirhan Sezer is a New York–based filmmaker, photographer, and cultural producer, currently serving as the Vice President of the Turkish American Arts Society of New York (TAASNY). In addition to his leadership role, he works as the organization’s Production Manager, overseeing the planning and execution of concerts, theater performances, cultural festivals, and large-scale community events.
With a strong background in filmmaking and visual storytelling, Sezer has contributed to award-winning short films, documentaries, and professional photography and videography. His experience in both artistic and technical production allows him to bridge creative vision with operational excellence—ensuring that every TAASNY event is executed at a high professional standard.
Through his leadership at TAASNY, Bedirhan Sezer continues to strengthen the presence of Turkish arts in the United States, supporting cultural diplomacy, empowering artists, and fostering meaningful connections within the Turkish-American community.
Ibrahim Yazici
Founder & President, Turkish American Arts Society of New York (TAASNY)
Executive Director, New Manhattan Sinfonietta (NMS)
Ibrahim Yazıcı is a leading cultural producer and arts executive in New York, known for his significant contributions to elevating Turkish arts in the United States. He is the Founder and President of the Turkish American Arts Society of New York (TAASNY), one of the most active Turkish diaspora arts institutions in the country. Under his leadership, TAASNY advances Turkish culture through music, theater, film, and educational programs.
As Executive Director of the New Manhattan Sinfonietta (NMS), Yazıcı works closely with Maestro Gürer Aykal to shape the orchestra’s artistic direction and international collaborations. He has produced major concerts and cultural events at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, The Town Hall, New York City Center, Lincoln Center, and the Turkish House (Türkevi), introducing Turkish artists and traditions to diverse American audiences.
Driven by a commitment to cultural diplomacy and artistic excellence, Ibrahim Yazıcı continues to strengthen the visibility and impact of Turkish arts across the United States.