Emir Kusturica returning to Israel

Serbian director and musician Emir Kusturica will visit Israel in December with his band, The No Smoking Orchestra, for four concerts.

The two main shows will be held on December 17 and 19 at Tel Aviv's concert hall the Mann Auditorium. On December 21, the band will play at the Haifa Convention Center and a day later at the Jerusalem International Convention Center.

Tickets for the concerts will be sold for NIS 199-289.

About two years ago, Kusturica held two tours in Israel, and was scheduled to arrive in the country again earlier this year, but had to cancel due to health problems.

Kusturica's No Smoking Orchestra combines a variety of musical styles and genres, including gypsy, Balkan and Jewish music, as well as Rock n' roll. They will perform in Israel as part of an international tour with singer Dr Nele Karajlic.

"Our music employs different formats and styles that go back in time to our roots," Kusturica said in a Ynet interview during his last visit. "I think it's multicultural in the positive sense of the word."