Turkish promoter Piu enters UK market

Istanbul-based Piu Entertainment has opened an office in London as it prepares to promote its first shows in the UK.

Piu, founded in 2010, will present a programme of concerts in Britain by “world-class” international artists over the next twelve months, beginning with Mallorcan flamenco/jazz artist Concha Buika at the Eventim Apollo (5,039-cap.) in London on 13 December.

The first wave of shows – which also include Australian pianist David Helfgott at London’s Barbican next May; Belgium’s Lara Fabian, also at the Apollo, in March; and a Chinese new year concert at the Barbican in February – will all take place in London, Birmingham and Manchester, although the promoter is already eyeing further expansion.

“We’re delighted to announce our presence in London, and we’re looking forward to presenting a wide variety of concerts by artists from all over the world to UK audiences,” comments Piu CEO Cemil Demirok, who will head up the UK operation. “Our plan is to stage concerts by artists who are huge in their own country [but] who have not yet had the opportunity of performing to audiences in the UK…

“Initially, our concerts will be in London, Birmingham and Manchester, with a view to rolling out to other towns and cities in the near future. The appetite for live music from around the world is growing all the time and, coupled with the fact that UK audiences love live music, we’re looking forward to becoming a successful fixture on the UK’s live music scene.”

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.