Turkish pianist to government: don’t be afraid of artsOctober 25, 2014 - 16:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Presidential Symphony Orchestra of Turkey has dropped three compositions by the Turkish concert pianist Fazil Say from its programs this season, the latest attack on a musician who has been a vocal critic of the government, the New York Times reports. Say released an open letter to the government this week protesting the move and calling on officials not to be ‘‘afraid of the arts.’’ ‘‘Come on, be able to change your attitude of ‘censorship,’ which sparks astonishment and fury in the entire world,’’ he wrote from Beijing, where he is on tour. ‘‘Do not be destructive.’’ He continued, ‘‘Don’t be afraid of arts and artists. It’s not a military force. It’s just musicians, actors, dancers. Humans. Ordinary citizens.’’ The European Union, in a report this month, cited increasing government pressure on the media, social online networks and opponents as well as shortcomings in freedom of expression. Turkey is seeking European Union membership. The Culture Ministry, in a statement to the semiofficial Anadolu News Agency, denied that Say’s works were censored and said that another of his compositions would remain on a program. The works in question are Say’s ‘‘Istanbul Symphony,’’ ‘‘Water’’ for piano and orchestra, and ‘‘Hermiyas: The Boy on the Dolphin.’’ The acrimony between Say, 44, and the government surfaced last year when the pianist, who identifies himself as an atheist, was charged with insulting Islam and offending Muslims in postings on Twitter. He received a 10-month suspended sentence. Several of his concerts have been canceled in Turkey. The mayor of Antalya, who belongs to the governing Justice and Development Party, in April expressed his unwillingness to work with the artist at the Antalya Piano Festival, where Say had been artistic director since 2000. Opposition deputies have asked for an official explanation about why the works were dropped. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Fly Arna license suspended, says Armenia official The license of the Armenian airline Fly Arna has been suspended for six months, an official says. President stresses Armenia’s clear position to achieve peace On the eve of the International Francophonie Day, the Armenian President met with French intellectuals. Termination of servicing of MIR cards. IDBank It will not be possible to ensure the full operation of MIR cards in IDBank’s POS-terminals and ATMs Pashinian meets border villagers on possible land transfer to Azerbaijan Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with concerned residents of two villages in Armenia’s northern Tavush province. |