The official opening of the 2nd Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus International Choral Festival, which will finish on 16 July 2016, took place at Rauf  Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center.

During the opening ceremony, students of the Cyprus Dance Education Center fascinated the audience with their magnificent performance. Following the said center’s performance, a gift was presented to the Director of the center Gönül İsmail. The ceremony then continued with the opening address of the art director of the organisation, Erkan Dağlı. Conveying his pleasure in organising the 2nd TRNC International Choral Festival, Dağlı wished all participants a festival filled with pleasure.

Following the screening of Eastern Mediterranean Univesity and festival promotional films, EMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Salih Katırcıoğlu delivered a speech on behalf of the university. Expressing the university’s pleasure in hosting such an important organisation, Prof. Dr. Katırcıoğlu extended his appreciation to all those who contributed to the organisation of the event.

One of the important guests of the festival, Mayor of Çanakkale Ülgür Gökhan expressed his pleasure in visiting the TRNC and taking part in the festival.

Mayor of Famagusta İsmail Arter also delivered a speech and stated that hosting such an important organisation in Famagusta carries special importance for the promotion of the city.

Minister of TRNC Tourism and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, who also delivered an opening address, stated his pleasure in hosting all guests in the TRNC. Giving information about his ministry’s projects in promoting the country within Turkey, Ataoğlu highlighted the natural and historical beauties of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Extending his appreciation to all those who contributed to the organisation of the festival, Ataoğlu expressed his hope that all guests spend nice time in the TRNC. A gift was presented to Minister Ataoğlu at the end of his speech.

Following the opening speeches, our country’s famoust talent Suna Alsancak took the stage and offered a wonderful piano performance to the audience. The ceremony finished with Turkish Cypriot composer Oskay Hoca’s song “Kebapçıların Şişi’’. Within the framework of the festival participated by 22 choirs, 750 chorists, and guests from the TRNC and Turkey, colorful choir performances are taking place at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center between 11 and 16 July 2016.