Yotam Ishay

About me

Afula, Israel

Yotam Ishay is an award-winning pianist & composer, a twice finalist of the International Antonin Dvorak Composition Competition. Collaborated with artists such as Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Javier Limón, and Shreya Ghoshal. His compositions have been performed globally.

Cultural background

  • Israel

Values

  • Authenticity
  • Balance
  • Community
  • Creativity
  • Curiosity
  • Friendships
  • Fun
  • Growth
  • Honesty
  • Humor
  • Knowledge
  • Learning
  • Optimism
  • Peace
  • Well-being
  • Wisdom
  • Environmentalism
  • Healthy lifestyle

Project Music

No submissions for Beyond Music Project Volume 4.

The Sight of Mud & Concrete
Play
  • Award Winner
  • Album Track

When I saw the current beyond theme I immediately had this piece in mind as It is full of conflict. It starts with a conflict of chords that feel like they have the same charge and can't be together like magnets with the same charge. Then there is the conflict in the rest of the piece between rhythms of 3 and 2. In the final section, the 2/3 conflict reaches a climax and with the initial theme of the 2 conflicting chords. Each member of the band contributed a lot to the piece and the piece was inspired by them and with their sound in mind.

  • African
  • Classical
  • Jazz
  • World
  • Contralto / Alto
  • Piano
  • Double bass
  • Cymbals
  • Djembe
  • Frame drum
  • Percussion
  • India
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Korea (Republic of)
  • Nigeria
Ghetto Lullaby ( from IVth String Quartet by Szymon Laks)
Play
  • Award Winner
  • Album Track

This is a piece based on melody from IV String Quartet ( Lento) by Polish - Jewish classical composer Szymon Laks (1901 - 1983), who survived two concentration caps during II World War. I decided to invite 4 extraordinary artists from Poland, Germany, Israel and Russia who represent not only countries involved in conflict of II World War in Poland but who blends classical music and improvisation. I tried to make miusic which unites artists and music genres, using rare renaissance violin as lead with vocal,piano, clarinet, drums and electronics.

  • Classical
  • Electronic
  • Instrumental
  • Jazz
  • Vocal
  • Singer
  • Mellotron
  • Piano
  • Violin
  • Tabla
  • Clarinet
  • Germany
  • Israel
  • Poland
  • Russian Federation
Friend Not Foe

"Friend Not Foe" is a song that talks about accepting people we do not understand despite the fact that we can have contrary views about life. Knowing that it's very okay to agree to disagree. We must not all be on the same page, thus accepting our various differences will help us live a less confrontational lifestyle. Should we agree to open our minds to accept those who have different points of views from us, we will learn to be more tolerant and understanding. We will not only grow our sense of empathy but also grow emotionally.

  • Jazz-Pop
  • Pop
  • Background vocals
  • Rapping
  • Singer
  • Vocal ensemble
  • Piano
  • Sarangi
  • Conga
  • Cameroon
  • Israel
  • Japan
The Country (Short Version)

This piece is about the phrase "Are you in the country?". It relates to the constant desire to be at home when you're out of the country, and be out and explore the planet when you're at home. It is also reminiscent with the imagery of a celebration or a party in "The Country". The piece was a collaboration between the three of us: Kan, plays instruments from the entire planet. Together with Youngchae and also with the help of others, we were able to create a piece that is influenced by many countries & cultures.

  • Classical
  • Jazz
  • World
  • Singer
  • Grand piano
  • Cello
  • Double bass
  • Violin
  • Percussion
  • Soprano saxophone
  • India
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Korea

No submissions for Beyond Music Project Volume 1.