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A creative odyssey of opera and visual art
Art and opera come together to celebrate the legacy of one of Turkey's most influential figures: Semiha Berksoy. This winter, from December 6, 2024, to May 11, 2025, the Hamburger Bahnhof - Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart in Berlin will host the first-ever comprehensive retrospective of Berksoy in Germany. This unique exhibition shines a light on more than six decades of Berksoy's creative journey, revealing her dual brilliance as an acclaimed opera singer and a trailblazing painter.
Image gallery
Semiha Berksoy
Semiha Berksoy at a glance
The exhibition takes visitors through Berksoy's prolific career, vividly bringing her world to life with more than 80 paintings, drawings, archival documents, film clips and audio recordings. The exhibition captures key moments from her early days in Turkey as an opera sensation to her time in Berlin in the 1930s, where she became a celebrated soprano.
Visitors will gain insight into her deep artistic connection to her mother, Fatma Saime, as well as her friendships with influential Turkish artists like the poet Nazim Hikmet. The show's curators have thoughtfully organised Berksoy's work in 'operatic vignettes', presenting her paintings like characters on a stage, alongside rare sound and video recordings that add emotional depth.
Semiha Berksoy highlights
- Extensive art collection: Over 80 paintings and works on paper, many of which have never been displayed in Germany before.
- Archival recordings: Rare film clips and sound recordings from the 1930s to the 2000s that provide insights into Berksoy's multifaceted life.
- Personal connections: Learn about her deep connections to Turkish cultural figures, as well as her long-standing links to Berlin.
- Operatic themes: The exhibition is structured like operatic scenes, offering a thematic experience of Berksoy's life, much like characters stepping onto a stage.
- Immersive journey: Enjoy a curated experience that combines her artistic achievements in both visual and performing arts.
Discover Semiha Berksoy
Berksoy was not only a pioneer in Turkish opera but also a strikingly original visual artist. Born in 1910, Berksoy quickly rose to prominence in Turkey and then moved to Berlin in the late 1930s to study at the Hochschule für Musik, supported by a scholarship from the Turkish government. During this time, she captivated Berlin audiences, notably playing the lead role in Ariadne auf Naxos at the prestigious Hochschule – a performance dedicated to Richard Strauss's 75th birthday.
With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Berksoy returned to Turkey, where she played a significant role in founding the Turkish State Opera and Ballet, alongside the German director Carl Ebert. Even as her career evolved, her connections to Berlin endured. Her artworks were featured in exhibitions across Europe, including Aktuelle Kunst aus Istanbul in Berlin and the 60th Venice Biennale in 2023.
Top tips for Semiha Berksoy
- The exhibition runs from 6 December 2024 to 11 May 2025. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing you more space and time to immerse yourself in the details of Berksoy's work.
- Hamburger Bahnhof is conveniently located in Berlin-Mitte, easily accessible via public transport. Take the S-Bahn to Berlin Hauptbahnhof or the underground to Naturkundemuseum.
- Book tickets online to avoid queues. Discounted rates are available for students and disabled persons.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, and there are also guided tours available that cater to different accessibility needs. Be sure to check the museum's website for more details.
Additional information
Price info: Hamburger Bahnhof. Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart + temporary exhibitions
Price: €16.00
Reduced price: €8.00
