Work of the Week – Fazıl Say: Mandolin Concerto

By Christopher Peter
6 Jul 2025

Composer Fazıl Say sits on a white chair in front of a white wall with a geometric mosaic pattern. He wears a white shirt and looks to the right.

On 12 July 2025, a new work by Fazıl Say will be premiered: the Mandolin Concerto, written for internationally acclaimed mandolinist Avi Avital. Together with the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra conducted by Nil Venditti, the piece will be performed for the first time in Rendsburg-Büdelsdorf, with a second performance following on 13 July. The occasion: Say is this year’s portrait artist of the festival and will be at the centre of several concerts.

Poetry of Sound: World premiere at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival

The Mandolin Concerto consists of four contrasting movements: Introduzione (Adagio), Allegro assai, Andante espressivo, and Finale (Allegro grazioso). These titles already suggest a dramaturgically rich structure – a hallmark of the Turkish composer. Say’s concertos often combine narrative form, virtuoso solos, rhythmic vitality, and sensual, oriental-inspired soundscapes.

Music that Unites

Fazıl Say is renowned both as a pianist and as a composer. His solo concertos – including those for piano, violin or trumpet – have been performed internationally and are known for blending classical forms with elements of Turkish folk music, jazz and minimalism. This new work for Avi Avital will further enrich Say’s portfolio of concertante compositions.

The concert also features another of Say’s major works: the Istanbul Symphony (2009), a musical tribute to the vibrant metropolis between East and West.

Your opinion counts

Have you ever experienced a world premiere of a solo concerto? And how do you feel about blending traditional sounds with classical forms? Join the conversation using the hashtag #WorkOfTheWeek on our social media channels!