On a bitterly cold winter evening, music lovers gathered at the CSO Ada Ankara Ziraat Bankası Main Hall for a distinguished concert presented as part of the DenizBank Concert Series. The Presidential Symphony Orchestra was led by Norwegian conductor Terje Mikkelsen, with world-renowned cellist Mischa Maisky as soloist.

A Narrative Journey with Strauss

The evening opened with Richard Strauss’s symphonic poem Don Quixote, Op. 35. In this richly descriptive work, the cello represents the figure of Don Quixote, while the orchestra paints vivid scenes ranging from Sancho Panza to the famous windmill episode.

Maisky’s interpretation went beyond technical brilliance, offering deep dramatic insight. His tone was warm and lyrical in reflective passages, yet powerful and sharply articulated in moments of conflict. Under Mikkelsen’s precise direction, the orchestra maintained clarity and structural coherence, allowing the narrative character of the work to unfold seamlessly.

Two Lyrical Moments by Tchaikovsky

The program continued with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Nocturne, Op. 19 No. 4, creating one of the most intimate moments of the evening. Maisky’s controlled vibrato and refined phrasing brought a sense of calm introspection to the hall, drawing warm applause from the audience.

This was followed by Lensky’s aria “Kuda, kuda…” from Tchaikovsky’s opera Eugene Onegin (Act II), a deeply expressive piece embodying romantic melancholy and emotional intensity.

Classical Elegance with Schubert

In the second half, the orchestra performed Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, D. 485. Mikkelsen emphasized the symphony’s transparency and Classical-era elegance with well-balanced tempos and carefully shaped phrasing.

The graceful lyricism of the second movement and the lively character of the Menuetto highlighted the orchestra’s cohesion. The final Allegro vivace delivered an energetic and radiant conclusion.

The concert concluded with prolonged applause. Mischa Maisky returned to the stage for a brief encore, offering a gracious musical thank-you to the audience.

This memorable evening once again affirmed the Presidential Symphony Orchestra’s central role in Ankara’s cultural life. The program’s thoughtful balance—combining Strauss’s dramatic storytelling, Tchaikovsky’s romantic lyricism, and Schubert’s classical clarity—provided a deeply satisfying artistic experience.

A beautiful Friday night in Ankara—until the next concert.

© Eurasia Review