Bilkent Symphony Orchestra

Bilkent Symphony Orchestra (BSO)
Orchestra
The BSO with music director Klaus Weise
Founded	1993
Concert hall	Bilkent Concert Hall
Principal conductor	Klaus Weise
Website	www.bso.bilkent.edu.tr

The Bilkent Symphony Orchestra (Bilkent Senfoni Orkestrası in Turkish, also known as BSO) is a major symphony orchestra of Turkey located in Bilkent, Ankara. It was founded in 1993 by Bilkent University. Since 1994 the orchestra is based in Bilkent Concert Hall. The BSO is UNICEF Turkey Goodwill Ambassador since 2009.

The Bilkent Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1993 as an original artistic project of Bilkent University. Developed by the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, the orchestra is composed of over 120 proficient artists and academicians of the Faculty from Turkey and 12 countries. Turkish and foreign artists, continuing their postgraduate studies at the Institute of Music and Performing Arts also participate in concerts to further expand the orchestra. With these characteristics, the BSO is the first private, international and academic, artistic ensemble in Turkey.

Since its foundation, the orchestra has been awarded by several organizations such as Ankara Public Relations Association and Mevlana Foundation. Furthermore, UNICEF has recognized BSO as UNICEF Turkey Goodwill Ambassador upon its efforts to aid children in need in various regions of the world, specifically for the two CDs released, donating money earned to the earthquake victims of İzmit earthquake in 1999 together with several concerts given, donating money earned to Pakistan earthquake victims and Turkish National Committee for UNICEF campaigns such as Haydi Kızlar Okula. The BSO was also awarded as the best orchestra of Turkey in 2011 by Andante Music Magazine.