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The NMS was founded as the final orchestra project of the globally celebrated Turkish maestro, Gürer Aykal. Its core mission is dual: to perform the classical Western repertoire at an internationally recognized, top-tier level, and, crucially, to serve as a vibrant cultural bridge. Based in New York, the world’s artistic capital, the NMS champions the introduction of Turkish-inspired compositions and the works of Turkish composers to a diverse, global audience. The orchestra operates under the principle that "Diversity is the ultimate wealth in arts," fostering cross-cultural collaboration on stage..

The orchestra was founded by and is led by the Principal Conductor, Maestro Gürer Aykal, a revered figure who holds the title of State Artist in Türkiye. NMS represents the culmination of Aykal’s distinguished career, giving it immediate global authority and gravitas. His involvement ensures not only the orchestra’s artistic excellence but also a commitment to its secondary mission: providing a high-profile, professional platform for Turkish musicians to perform regularly in the United States and promoting the enduring legacy of the Turkish musical tradition.

Audiences can look forward to a thoughtfully curated program that celebrates both East and West. The repertoire is generally split between two genres:

• Core Classical Works: The orchestra regularly performs beloved masterpieces from the established Western canon, including works by composers like Mozart and Beethoven.

• Turkish-Inspired Compositions: NMS places a special emphasis on introducing and performing works by Turkish composers, such as Muammer Sun’s Anatolian Suite, which masterfully blend Western orchestral structures with distinctive Turkish melodies. This unique combination ensures every performance is both familiar and revelatory.