Teachers on the stage 'Ishtar'

Ishtar: European love songs through the ages To the general public, Ishtar is known as the cheerful band that defended the Belgian tricolor in 2008 with the hit “O Julissi” at the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade. A more select audience has known Ishtar for longer..... Ishtar was founded in 2001. A collection of European love songs sparked the realization of a musical dream among friendly musicians. This friendship, the shared passion for music, and the fascination for melodies from different cultures with love as the main theme inspired an enthusiastic collaboration among like-minded souls. Ishtar was named after the renowned Babylonian goddess of love, sexuality, war, rebirth, and life energy. Since 2003, the collective has been performing an evening-length program of love songs from the treasure troves of European folk music. Gems of songs that have stood the test of time and have only gained in intensity and beauty through their refined vocal and instrumental arrangements. The recurring theme in this musical story is love, to which Ishtar gives its very own interpretation. The carefully selected songs date from the 11th century to the present day. They bear witness to an inner strength that effortlessly transcends language and culture barriers—sometimes serene and deeply moving, another time festive and joyful, passionate ballads, wedding dances, touching laments, poetic odes, mischievous satirical poems, .. This music was immortalized in the CDs TroubAmour (2005) and O julissi (2008). Over the years, the repertoire has been richly supplemented with original compositions that seamlessly blend with the sound idiom of traditional folk music. A heartfelt interpretation and a high-standard musical performance have become Ishtar's trademark. New programs were designed, including a Christmas program of European Christmas carols and winter ballads, which was compiled in 2011 on the CD 'Between dark and light'. In the autumn of this year (2012), Ishtar released the CD 'Balkanoia', about which journalist Peter Cremers wrote the following: "the music is gipsy-like with an oriental touch, peppered with funny, surprising interludes, sometimes menacing and often movingly wistful. 'Balkanoia' is perhaps slightly less accessible than what we were used to from Ishtar, but so much more mature and stronger." Meanwhile, the Balkanoia program has been developed not only for performance with a large symphony orchestra, but also for a four-part mixed choir and concert band. Ishtar: Music to enjoy, wonderfully sung in the original language...