jazz and global music at Klarafestival 2023
brad mehldau, arve henriksen, ruben machtelinckx, angélique kidjo & many more
Lovers of jazz and global music will be spoilt for choice at Klarafestival. Besides world stars such as Brad Mehldau and Arve Henriksen, the programme also features Belgian jazz artists and musical traditions from other cultures.
trilogy with Brad Mehldau
The legendary jazz pianist Brad Mehldau is coming to Klarafestival for a veritable three-day extravaganza. On 23 March, you can discover his song cycle The Folly of Desire, which he composed especially for the warm voice of tenor Ian Bostridge. During his second concert he will sparkle alongside the Belgian National Orchestra with the Belgian première of his Piano Concerto. He will conclude with an intimate solo concert at Bozar, breaking down the walls between jazz, pop, rock and classical music.
jazz meets ars subtilior
For A Short Story, the recent project by guitarist Ruben Machtelinckx and trumpeter Arve Henriksen, we create an intimate setting. Lay down in a cushion and be mesmerised by whispering trumpet sounds and atmospheric harmonisations on guitar. Places are limited!
For Codex Au Soleil, the Lennart Heyndels Quartet explores 14th century songs for the listener and then, employing jazz tones and improvisation, reconstructs them in the moment. Take a break at noon and come enjoy this fine art.
between jazz, pop and lied
Fans of French chanson are in for a treat with the unique encounter between Angélique Kidjo, thé voice of African pop music, and the delicate playing of pianist Alexandre Tharaud. With songs by Piaf, Brel, and Gainsbourg, among others, they tell an engaging love story.
Klarafestival also marks the Persian new year celebration “Nowruz” with three artists who are breathing new life into their musical tradition: Homayoun Sakhi, “the most innovative rubab player of his generation", Afghan tabla player Siar Hashimi and singer Ulzhan Baibussinova.
made in.by molenbeek
The programme for Musikaa, the annual music festival by habitants of Molenbeek, is all complete! New this year is the children's choir Singing Molenbeek, RemuA's children's orchestra and an improvisation session accompanied by bassist Farida Amadou. And those who want to explore Oud-Molenbeek beforehand can join a tour with a guide from Brukselbinnenstebuiten.
Last call: Farida Amadou is still looking for vocalists and musicians with instruments who want to play along during an improvisation workshop on 5 March. All levels are welcome, and experience with free improvisation is not required. Registration is open until 20 February.
