Republic Day on 29 October was marked on the Izmir Metro, according to Yeni Asır. Passengers at Fahrettin Altay station were surprised by two concerts given by the Smyrna Ensemble, a group organised within the Culture, Art and Social Affairs Department of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality.
Two concerts at Fahrettin Altay station
The ensemble performed two separate concerts at different times of the day. According to Yeni Asır, the musicians played marches and songs for the national holiday, and many people in the audience sang along. Some listeners also danced to the rhythm of the music.
The concerts were part of wider Republic Day celebrations in the city. Yeni Asır reports that the ensemble had earlier performed its first concert of the celebrations at the Elhamra Stage.
What the musicians and listeners said
Alto saxophone player Hikem Çamdalı told Yeni Asır that the group's repertoire is broad, including pop and classical pieces, as well as the "İzmir Marşı" and the song "Memleketim". According to the report, the musicians were pleased with the reaction from the public.
"Burada halkla iç içe bir konser verdik ve çok mutlu olduk."
Passengers interviewed by the newspaper also spoke about the event. Some said they had come across the concert by chance while using the metro. One listener described the performance as a fitting way to mark the anniversary of the Republic, while others expressed their wishes for more events of this kind.
Context for passengers
The report focuses on the celebration itself and does not mention changes to service, timetables or routes on the Izmir Metro. Passengers who want to know about future performances at metro stations are advised to follow announcements from the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality.