The Island Choir practices at the Buitenplaats of Brienenoord: on an island in Rotterdam’s nature. We use this environment and let ourselves be inspired by the Island’s sounds and landscape. In addition to our repertoire, we will sing circle songs (which is like creating loops, but with people) and improvisations. No prior experience is needed for these.

The unique location of the Island Choir's rehearsals offers the chance to immerse yourself in nature, gather sounds, and apply them musically, as well as to sing outdoors.

The Buitenplaats also has a comfortable indoor space. When weather allows we will also sing outdoors. After gathering sounds outside and breathing the fresh air we return to the warmth. Buitenplaats Brienenoord is easily accessible by bike or a 15-minute walk from the Feyenoord stadium tram stop (tram 3). If you come by car, parking is available further away (not on the island itself).

Commitment of choir members
The choir is open to all ages, levels, and voices, and at the same time, we aim high. To ensure continuity and quality, we ask choir members to prepare. This means practicing the melodies at home by using the audio recording and/or sheet music. At the end of the 8 sessions, we will give a performance on the island. We will decide together how to shape this presentation.
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The primary language is Dutch, but non-Dutch speakers are welcome! However, it is required that participants can speak English, or that they bring a singing translator with them to the choir.

About Ishtar:
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Ishtar Bakhtali is a vocalist, performer and composer in several music(theatre) projects. Ishtar has experience leading singing and music workshops, as well as choirs. She teaches singing and choir at Artez Music Theatre in Arnhem. She has sung as a trainee with the Netherlands Chamber Choir (NKK NXT) and as an alumna in a project with the same choir. Ishtar holds a master’s degree in Indian singing and jazzcomposition from Codarts, and her current projects focus heavily on the connection between humans and nature. This theme is reflected in the Island Choir.

More information:

www.ishtarbakhtali.com

Dates and times:
8 sessions on Thursdays starting at 19:30 (arrival) and choir from 20:00-21:30

februari: 5 (trial), 12 en 26

march: 5, 19, 26

april: 9 en 16

Registration:

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Send a message (06-41371216) or email to Marieke: marieke@buitenplaatsbrienenoord.nl

Cost:
€96 for 8 sessions.

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For those unsure: You can treat the first session as a trial class and pay for it separately (€12,- ).  If it’s not for you, after the first session, you can leave it at that. If you decide to continue, you can pay the remaining sum at the bar at the second session via card, and you’ll become a member of the amazing Island Choir!

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