Pink Martini: ‘Every visit to Istanbul feels like coming home’
With a career spanning more than 30 years and a catalog that includes gold- and platinum-selling albums such as Sympathique, Hang On Little Tomato, Hey Eugene! and Je Dis Oui, Pink Martini has become one of the world’s most recognizable crossover ensembles. Blending jazz, classical music, Latin rhythms, French chanson and songs from around the globe, the Portland-based group has also earned a devoted following in Türkiye, where audiences have embraced its multilingual performances and interpretations of Turkish classics including Üsküdar’a Gider İken and Aşkım Bahardı.
Before returning to Istanbul for a July 22 performance with Pasion Turca at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater, vocalist Storm Large spoke to Hürriyet Daily News about the band’s enduring bond with Turkish audiences, the healing power of music and the secret behind Pink Martini’s remarkable longevity.The world has become increasingly turbulent.
Is it difficult to maintain Pink Martini’s joyful spirit?
It can be challenging because the world often feels chaotic. But that is exactly why music has become even more important. People arrive at our concerts carrying stress, sadness and uncertainty. If we can help them forget those burdens for a couple of hours and remind them that beauty, love and community still exist, then we’ve done something meaningful.
