Work of the Week – Fazıl Say: Bosphorus Romance

By Christopher Peter
16 Mar 2026

Composer Fazıl Say in the foreground, leaning on a chair against a nocturnal Istanbul backdrop. The illuminated Bosphorus Bridge and Ortaköy Mosque cast shimmering reflections onto the dark waters of the strait.

Some pieces of music just feel different because they weren't written for a commission or a deadline, but for a specific person. Fazıl Say’s Bosphorus Romance is one of those works. While we usually expect a certain explosive energy from Say, this new piece for flute and string orchestra is surprisingly intimate. It’s actually a musical gift for his wife, flutist Aslıhan And Say. They’ve been married since October 2025, and having her perform the solo part at the world premiere in Munich makes the whole event feel much more like a personal conversation than a formal concert.

The music itself plays out like a series of vivid memories. It starts with a theme that feels wide open, like the view over the Bosphorus. Then, it moves into something more cinematic—a scene in a park where the flute takes the lead, weaving through the strings of the Munich Chamber Orchestra. There’s a lot of space in the music, especially during the quiet, nocturnal section, where everything slows down and feels a bit mysterious.

But Bosphorus Romance wouldn’t be a Fazıl Say piece without a bit of a rhythmic kick at the end. The finale is based on the Köçekçe, a traditional Turkish dance. It’s high-energy and spirited, bringing the whole thing to a close with the kind of drive Say is famous for. Conducted by Daniel Giglberger at the Prinzregententheater on March 22, 2026, it’s going to be a fascinating night. It’s not just about blending different cultures; it’s about seeing how a very personal story can find its way onto the big stage.