Organised by the İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and sponsored by Borusan Holding, the International İstanbul Music Festival presented music lovers a rich programme.

Presenting more than 500 artists, the Festival featured a total of 22 events. Hosting its audience in various locations around İstanbul, the venues this year included Topkapı Palace, the Süreyya Opera, the Archaeological Museum, Türker İnanoğlu Maslak Show Center (TİM) and the Bulgarian Church alongside the Hagia Eirene Museum.

Classical fans in İstanbul had a festival marathon with artists ranging from master interpreters to award winning young soloists, from exciting music encounters to distinguished ensembles. The concert of master violinist Guidon Kremer and his Grammy winning ensemble Kremerata Baltica, composed of accomplished young musicians from the Baltic Nations and the Bach feast presented by world famous flutist Emmanuel Pahud and harpsichord virtuoso Trevor Pinnock were the concerts which gained most attention at the festival. Another celebrated event of the festival was "Müsennâ", a project developed by soprano and musicologist Çimen Seymen, juxtaposing 17th century European and Ottoman court music with baroque and traditional folk dances.

The Festival was rich in vocal performances this year. Australian mezzo-soprano Angelika Kirchschlager sang Schubert Lieds accompanied by Camerata Bern, counter-alto Sara Mingardo presented a Vivaldi feast with Concerto Italiano conducted by Rinaldo Alessandrini. Famous counter-tenor Andreas Scholl participated at the festival with the "Il Duello Amoroso" project presenting Händel works. Scholl shared the stage with soprano Hélène Guilmette. The two famous singers were accompanied by conductor Ottavio Dantone and Accademia Bizantina.

On the final night, classical music lovers had the opportunity to hear one of the newest stars of the opera world, mezzo-soprano Elina Garanča in a magnificent concert conducted by Mark Chichon.