the musical direction of Turkey's foremost symphony orchestra to Austrian conductor Sascha Goetzel. Goetzel took over from Gürer Aykal, the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra's music director since the founding of the orchestra, and responsible for its artistic development. One of Sascha Goetzel's principal duties is the preparation of concert tours and guest appearances of the orchestra in the framework of major European music festivals in the coming years. The orchestra had a special role to play in the 2010 Istanbul Festival when Istanbul held the title of European Capital of Culture. In April 2021 it was announced that Patrick Hahn would become Principal Guest Conductor and Artistic Advisor from the 2021/22 season. Music directors Principal players The current principal chairs of the orchestra are as follows: References External links Borusan Program Bifo Orchestra members Turkish orchestras Culture in Istanbul Musical groups established in 1993 Symphony orchestras 1993 establishments in Turkey