A leader in support of ballet in Turkey
The foundations of ballet in Turkey were laid during the presidency of İsmet İnönü. The first ballet school Ninette de Valois opened in İstanbul on 6 January 1948 was transformed into a department of the State Conservatory after two years of its establishment. Yet, the first ballet recital was held a decade later, in 1961. İsmet İnönü assumed his seat in the front row when, on 28 January 1961, Coppélia choreographed to the music of Léo Delibes was staged for the first time in Turkey.
Never missing a single concert or play, İsmet İnönü had made it his mission to encourage state officials and fellow partisans to attend such performances. He was known to occasionally schedule appointments at concert halls to challenge others. Due to his passion for classical music, he had even begun to take cello lessons at the age of 50.
To celebrate İnönü’s lifelong commitment to and passion for the arts, The Presidential Symphony Orchestra continues to hold an annual memorial concert around the anniversary of his death.
