ISTGAH: The Sound of Peace, Culture and Nostalgia from Iran to the World

Music is a bridge between the past and the present, and the Old Edition Project establishes this connection with an artistic and emotional language. This project, which is one of the most recent activities of ISTGAH Orchestra, is an attempt to revive the silent sounds and forgotten instruments that were once part of the collective memories of the people. Old Edition, respecting the deep and detailed experiences of forgotten artists, portrays a valuable treasure of the past and creates a new image of it in the heart of the present. This project emphasizes the authenticity drawn from the past and shows that the past is not a distant memory, but a dynamic platform for building a bright future.

This project is designed in line with the United Nations’ peace ideals and to give hope to the elderly. Old Edition, sends a powerful message to the younger generation: old age is not the end of everything, but the beginning of a new chapter in the path of life and creativity. Old Edition is not just a performance; it is a journey through the contemporary history of music. With a combination of classic and old songs, a special stage design and period costumes, a unique atmosphere is created for the audience. Pieces that once had a place in people’s hearts are recreated with new and attractive arrangements and return to the stage in a new format.

This project shows how music can transcend time and awaken deep human emotions.

“Hush Nameh” Project: Myths in a Modern Dramatic Form

One of ISTGAH’s most influential projects is “Hush Nameh,” a profound and symbolic play that explores the concepts of power, oppression, and the role of women in history by using Iranian mythology, especially the story of Zahhak and Fereydoun. Written by Ali Shams, a prominent Iranian theater writer and director, this work recreates ancient myths in a modern form with a new and bold perspective and takes the audience on a journey from the past to the present and the future. “Hush Nameh” is not just a play; it is a bridge between ancient myths and contemporary issues. The play combines bitter humor, tragedy, and modern theatrical elements.

In this play, women become symbols of hope. The story at the heart of this work invites reflection on identity, history, and the role of women in shaping societies, and shows how hope can transcend the boundaries of time.

Also, “Hush Nameh” creates a unique atmosphere that immerses the audience in the heart of the story by using music and creative stage design. This project is not only attractive to those interested in literature and history, but also a thought-provoking and inspiring work for those seeking a deeper understanding of cultural issues. With international performances, “Hush Nameh” can convey a message of hope and solidarity from Iran to the world and show how art can transcend the boundaries of time and space, and connect ancient stories to contemporary issues. This project is truly a testament to the power of art in creating dialogue and understanding between cultures, and has the power to transform old narratives into a new and universal language.

Art as Diplomacy: International Collaborations

The ISTGAH has played an active role in cultural and artistic diplomacy in collaboration with the cultural and artistic departments of embassies and international cultural institutions.

From the special performance for the 62nd anniversary of Iran-South Korea relations to cultural cooperation with various countries, this group has always been a symbol of cultural solidarity.

The Amazing Culture and Art of South Korea: A Beautiful Link to Iran’s Rich Culture

South Korean culture and art– carrying deep connections and unique colorings–have many common points with Iran’s rich culture. These cultural commonalities have paved the way for a unique artistic cooperation; one of the most prominent of which is the production of an official music video with Persian reading by Mr. Kim Jun-Pyo, the esteemed ambassador of South Korea to Iran.

This project, which has been implemented for the first time in the history of cultural cooperation between Iran and South Korea at such a level, uses Korean cultural elements in the clothing and attire section. The design and planning of this work were done by “ISTGAH” under the direction of “Mahdi Norouzi.” What made this project truly special, was the presence and active participation of the esteemed ambassador and artist of South Korea. They, who are passionate about music, participated in this project with enthusiasm and energy, and this collaboration led to a wider acceptance of the work in both countries.  In this unforgettable collaboration, the ISTGAH Orchestra, together with the Honorable Ambassador of South Korea, brought a unique performance to the stage. This special event was held on the occasion of South Korea’s Independence Day and included a collection of Korean folk and pop pieces as well as nostalgic Iranian works.

At this ceremony, the Honorable Ambassador of South Korea performed the famous Iranian piece “PORSOON PORSOON” in a wonderful way, which was praised by the audience.

This music video was not only a work of art, but also a powerful message of peaceful coexistence of two cultures. The positive effects of this project in society and among followers, led to a better and deeper understanding of the cultures of Iran and South Korea. This work showed that art can be a bridge between nations and transcend geographical boundaries.

We at ISTGAH, hope that such cultural and artistic collaborations with the art departments of other countries’ embassies will be continued. These projects will not only contribute to the cultural richness of both countries, but also be an effective step towards strengthening peace and friendship between nations.

“ISTGAH” exclusively announces through the prestigious “Trends” magazine that other nostalgic pieces will soon be produced in collaboration with the cultural department of the esteemed South Korean embassy.

Music for Peace: A Message Beyond Borders

ISTGAH is not just an orchestra; it is an ambassador in the cultural and artistic sector for world peace. Since the first days of its establishment, world peace has been at the center of attention as one of the fundamental values of this complex. The pure and uncontaminated world of children, along with their innate tendency towards peace and friendship, has inspired many of ISTGAH’s activities.

The World Peace Project is one of the most prominent of these efforts, formed in collaboration with children from Iran, Austria, South Korea, India and Afghanistan. Inspired by the children’s ideas and dreams, the project resulted in the creation of an artistic painting with elements of world peace, which was first produced as an artistic video and simultaneously transformed into an unforgettable painting on canvas.  Children speak about peace and tranquility in their native language and paint their hands with the colors of the concepts they have understood. These colors sit on the canvas one by one and one by one, one of the purest messages of humanity, in its simplicity, is formed with a great message. (A World Without War)

The work was unveiled at the annual meeting of the World Peace Organization at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and was met with an unparalleled reception.

ISTGAH is now planning the second part of this project, in which more children from around the world will participate in the creation of this work. This project is not only a work of art, but also a global message of peace and hope for a bright future.

ISTGAH for children:

Cooperation with the cultural department of the Austrian Embassy in Iran on the occasion of International Children’s Day, using color, music and painting to express the message of peace.

Projects such as “World Breastfeeding Day”, “World Smile Day” and “World Peace Day”, each of which has been an effective step towards promoting happiness, friendship and peaceful coexistence.

ISTGAH believes that children are the architects of the world’s future and that investing in their education is the key to achieving lasting peace. The organization plans to donate these valuable peace paintings to the Children’s Department of the World Peace Museum to become a symbol of the culture of peace and the role of children in building a better future.

In a world where music and art are the common language of humanity, ISTGAH has become one of the most influential art organizations in the region by creating connections between cultures, history and emotions. From international concerts to cultural collaborations and creative projects such as “Old Edition” and “Hush Nameh” and special events that will soon be unveiled in various artistic fields, it is a message of this mission that a more peaceful world can be built with the beautiful language of art. This complex continues to move forward and opens new frontiers in the world of music, meaning and art for those interested in a better future.

(in a box)

To learn more about ISTGAH’s projects and accompany this artistic journey, visit the official website of this organization: www.istgahmusical.com