Burgazada Forest started breathing again, thanks to the magnificent concert organized by AKÇANSA …

The leader of Turkey’s cement sector, Akçansa organized a special concert on 6 December 2004, in cooperation with Akbank Chamber Orchestra, directed by Cem Mansur, and Turkey’s pride İdil Biret as the soloist, with the aim of protecting and developing the Burgazada Forest .

Akçansa, having adopted safeguarding our environmental and cultural heritage as an attitude has organized an exceptional concert on Monday December 6th, 2004 with the aim of reforesting Burgazada - adorning it once again with countless young trees and upholding this afforestation.

Friends of the island and nature lovers agonized by the fire that burnt down Burgazada Forest completely on 6 October 2003, gathered under the roof of the Friends of the Island Association and volunteered with great self- sacrifices for the re-greening of the Island. The natural beauty that took many centuries to develop had surrendered desperately to the flames and was devastated within a few hours. This blaze however amalgamated all the concerned hearts as one. However, even more self-sacrifices are necessary today to maintain that these efforts are everlasting. In this respect Akçansa, is assuming a great social responsibility by realizing this concert that will set an example for all.

The soloist of this musical feast that was organized by Akçansa and directed by chief of Akbank Chamber Orchestra, Cem Mansur, was İdil Biret. Akbank Chamber Orchestra, being the first model of support provided for music by the private sector in Turkey, performed an unforgettable concert for the music lovers, in harmony with Biret’s exceptional piano. Burgazada Forest will be kept alive with the income of this concert.

This joyful musical feast that will be remembered for many years to come, has a special meaning as regards protection of art, artists and the natural beauties. The "fabulous” concert that was performed on Monday December 6, 2004 at the Hacı Ömer Sabancı Concert Hall following a cocktail reception has provided means for hundreds of thousands young trees to green and Burgazada to start breathing again…

Akçansa, which has undertaken an art event as the leader of such a significant mission, esteems art, artists and natural beauties and safeguards our environmental and cultural heritage. All the income of the concert has been handed over to the Friends of the Island Association for being used in setting up a fire extinguishing system for protecting the Burgazada Forest.