28.12.2025 09:40
During the Turkish premiere of the piano concerto "Mother Earth" by the world-renowned pianist and composer Fazıl Say, terrifying moments unfolded on stage. The soloist suddenly fell ill and was taken to the hospital after the first intervention. In a statement made after the concert, Say said, "Our tenor soloist Mert Süngü is now in good condition. I wish him a speedy recovery."
World-renowned pianist and composer Fazıl Say presented the Turkish premiere of his piano concerto "Mother Earth," composed to draw attention to the climate crisis, to the audience at Volkswagen Arena as part of the "Year-End Concerts."
During Fazıl Say's concert, the soloist suddenly fell ill. The soloist Mert Süngü, who received initial treatment on stage, was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
"OUR SOLOIST IS IN GOOD CONDITION"
After the concert, Fazıl Say stated, "Our beloved tenor soloist Mert Süngü, who fell ill in the last moments of the first concert, is now in good condition. I wish him a speedy recovery and send my best wishes. In a short time of one or two hours, I warmly congratulate Uğur Etiler, a young voice from our choir, who took Mert's place as our tenor soloist in the 21:00 concert. It was a courageous act," he said.
Fazıl Say's full statement is as follows:
"I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to these concerts.
All the musicians on stage did their best during the two concerts and reached a world-class level. Our orchestra and choir were very focused, and they performed these two very difficult pieces excellently.
I embrace them all with love. And I say to many more.
We are now a family.
Art lovers in Istanbul appreciate this, and I am very happy about it.
There was a great deal of interest in the concerts.
I also sincerely thank my entire team. Everyone working in the organization managed this difficult operation very well.
Nil Vendittive choir conductor Volkan Akkoç took great care of this concert. They embraced it with love and "great loyalty." This moved me deeply.
Our beloved tenor soloist Mert Süngü, who fell ill in the last moments of the first concert, is now in good condition. I wish him a speedy recovery and send my best wishes. In a short time of one or two hours, I warmly congratulate Uğur Etiler, a young voice from our choir, who took Mert's place as our tenor soloist in the 21:00 concert. It was a courageous act."