On a crisp evening on October 6, 2026, the Turkish Ambassador’s residence opened its doors to over one hundred guests for an unforgettable celebration of history, diplomacy, and music, specifically jazz. Co-hosted by His Excellency Sedat Önal, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, Mrs. Figen Önal, and the Fund to Conserve U.S. Diplomatic Treasures Abroad, the evening pulled a thread through past and future—marking the U.S. Semiquincentennial, honoring the upcoming century of U.S.-Turkish relations, and spotlighting Hiawatha, a historic 1932 American wooden vessel that remains an enduring symbol of bilateral friendship.
The night’s remarks mirrored this spirit of shared heritage. Ambassador Önal, former U.S. Ambassador Marc Grossman, and Fund to Conserve Chairman Michael Sonnenreich each spoke to the powerful legacy of cultural diplomacy, noting how both Hiawatha and the historic residence itself have long served as pillars of cross-cultural connection. Emcee and Fund to Conserve Executive Director, Andrea Cochrane Tracey, highlighted the current efforts to raise critical private dollars to ensure the Hiawatha’s continued diplomatic and cultural service in Istanbul.
Then, the house came alive. Mr. Sonnenreich introduced the JazzDC All-Stars, directed by Paul Carr and featuring guest vocalist Lena Seikaly. The enthusiastic crowd was captivated, with a rousing performance of the Hiawatha Rag nearly bringing down the house. The celebration wrapped with a lively reception, where guests mingled over a menu blending both Turkish and American culinary traditions.
The Fund to Conserve extends our deepest gratitude to Ambassador and Mrs. Önal for opening their home for this special occasion. We also wish to thank Ms. Ezgi İnce, Executive Assistant to the Ambassador, Mr. Fatih Öztürk, Counselor, Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Levent Tansu Türkmenoğlu, First Secretary for the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, and the many other individuals at the Embassy who helped to make this event possible. We would also like to thank Sunny Sumpter, President and CEO of DC Jazz Festival, and her colleagues and JazzDC All-Stars directed by Paul Carr with guest vocalist Lena Seikaly, Kenny Rittenhouse (trumpet), Jennifer Kruppa (trombone), Lyle Link (alto saxophone), Kenny Nunn (tenor saxophone), Jenelle Gill (piano), Herman Burney (bass) and Kevin Kearney Jr. (drums).