Thanks to the cooperation of Izmir Alsancak Rotary Club with our association, the “Sound of My Mandolin” project was born. Olive Seeds Association added mandolins to its activities and started a new project called “The Sound of My Mandolin” with the participation of volunteer instructor Hilal Ak, Kamuran Oktay, Özden Zaloğlu and Cihangir Zaloğlu. Mandolins donated by Alsancak and Kordon Rotary Clubs were delivered to children living in urban and rural neighborhoods of Ayvalık with a ceremony at Cunda Alibey Cultural Center. Izmir State Opera and Ballet Director Soprano Aytül Büyüksaraç, Hüseyin Genç and Hakan Gürkan added color to the ceremony, which was also attended by our volunteer instructors. TOBAV (State Theaters Opera and Ballet Employees Assistance Foundation) Mandolin Chamber Orchestra gave an enjoyable concert before the mandolin deliveries. The concert marked the beginning of Ayvalık children’s mandolin education. The seeds planted that day sprouted and our first concert took place on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at the Cihan Şişman Youth Center on May 19, as part of the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day events. Our mandolin orchestra consists of disadvantaged children living in the surrounding neighborhoods of Ayvalık and the surrounding villages.
