ISTANBUL The opening ceremony of the 53rd Istanbul Music Festival , organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts ( IKSV ) was held at the Atatürk Cultural Center ( AKM ) on June 11. This year’s Honorary Award was presented to opera artist and educator Professor Mesut İktu, while the 2024 Aydın Gün Encouragement Award was given to 18-year-old violinist Bade Daştan. Speaking at the ceremony, IKSV Chairman of the Board Bülent Eczacıbaşı said works by composers from different periods