İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts was founded in 1973 under the leadership of Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı, to offer the finest examples of cultural and artistic works from around the world, while at the same time promoting Turkey's cultural and artistic assets by creating an international platform of communication through the arts.
From its first inception in 1973, the İstanbul Festival has aimed at including in its programmes the finest examples of artistic creativity in all disciplines of art from both Turkey and abroad, as well as seminars, conferences and lectures. İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts which celebrated 30th year of its establishment in 2002, organises the International İstanbul Music Festival for 34, Film Festival for 25, Theatre Festival for 15 and Jazz Festival for 13 years as well as the internationally renowned, the prestigious International İstanbul Biennial for 9 years.
İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, organizing international festivals and biennial, as well as intercultural programmes, co-productions, symposiums and workshops hosts 2.500 artists annually.
www.iksv.orgTeatro alla Scala of Milan, considered as one of the world's most important opera houses. The theatre was inaugurated on 3 August 1778, under the name Nuovo Regio Ducal Teatro alla Scala with Salieri's 'L'Europa riconosciuta'.
La Scala, witnessed the most important musical movements, hosted the major masterpieces including the world premiers of many famous operas. Arturo Toscanini, Tullio Serafin, Victor de Sabata, Carlo Maria Giulini, Guido Cantelli, Claudio Abbado and Riccardo Muti appointed as principal conductors and music directors of La Scala in its history of 230 years.
Fondazione Teatro alla Scala formed in 1997, as a private non-profit institution, aiming to La Scala's mission that is to spread the musical culture in Italy and worldwide. As a part of its mission, in December 2001 the Academy of La Scala founded to train young and talented musicians and has grown over the years.
www.accademialascala.org
and 