LUMEN: The New European Quintet and Lumen Trio featuring Kika Sprangers, Martin Fondse, and Jörg Brinkmann

Event Details:

• Date: November 21st, 2024

• Time:

  • 8:00 PM – New European Quintet

  • 9:15 PM – Lumen Trio

• Location: Mennonite Community, Oudegracht 270, Utrecht

• Tickets: Purchase your tickets here

Performers

The New European Quintet

• Rada Ovcharova – Violin

• Mihkel Kerem – Violin

• Emlyn Stam – Viola

• Willem Stam – Cello

• Malgorzata Walentynowicz – Piano

This unique evening begins with the exquisite sounds of the New European Quintet, followed by the innovative Lumen Trio, featuring celebrated artists Kika Sprangers, Martin Fondse, and Jörg Brinkmann.

About the New European Ensemble (NEuE):
The NEuE is a collective of highly skilled musicians known for their dynamic storytelling through contemporary music. The program Dedicated to engaging audiences with provocative performances, NEuE explores themes that challenge perceptions and inspire deep reflection. Known for their innovative multidisciplinary collaborations, the ensemble has worked with figures such as Edward Snowden and organizations like Amnesty International.

https://www.neweuropeanensemble.com/

Performance Program: The New European Quintet will perform a selection of compositions, including:

1. Konrad Boehmer:  Rabioso (16 minutes)

2. Zaid Jabri: Lumen (World Premiere) – String trio with electronics (12 minutes)

3. Yixie Shen: Lacewing – Violin trio (6 minutes), winner of the Gaudeamus Award 2024

4. Willem Breuker: Fidget – Violin solo (6 minutes)

5. Mihkel Kerem: String Quartet No.10 (10 minutes)

6. Kate Moore: Tarantella

Kika Sprangers Trio:
In January 2020, Dutch saxophonist Kika Sprangers, pianist Martin Fondse (piano, keyboards, vibrandoneon), and cellist Jörg Brinkmann (cello, electronics) recorded their album Lumen at Splendor Amsterdam, produced by Chris Weeda, renowned for his work with Toots Thielemans. Lumen serves as a blueprint for exploring new directions in modern music, blending European jazz and chamber music with lyrical, melancholic melodies and a minimalistic, cinematic touch.

Performers:

• Kika Sprangers – saxophones

• Martin Fondse – piano and keyboards

• Jörg Brinkmann – cello

https://kikasprangers.nl/

Featured compositions with the New European Ensemble:

1. Konrad Boehmer – Rabioso (16 minutes)

We’re thrilled to present Konrad Boehmer: Rabioso Piano Quintet (16 minutes), a strikingly layered piece that has only been performed once, on October 4, 2024. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience it live, performed by an acclaimed ensemble.

Konrad Boehmer, a prominent composer and musicologist, was born in Berlin in 1941. Early in his career, his works were conducted by Bruno Maderna and Pierre Boulez, and at just 25, he defended his influential dissertation on open form in new music. That same year, he followed his mentor, Gottfried Michael Koenig, to the Netherlands, where he was initially embraced by the avant-garde music scene. In 1972, he began teaching at the Royal Conservatoire, later leading the Institute of Sonology from 1994 to 2006. Konrad Boehmer passed away in Amsterdam on October 4, 2014.

https://www.kboehmer.nl/

2. Zaid Jabri – Lumen (World Premiere, 12 minutes)

Syrian-born Zaid Jabri, renowned for blending East and West musical traditions, presents Lumen, a world premiere commissioned for the New European Ensemble. Jabri’s international acclaim includes his opera Cities of Salt. His music has been performed worldwide, with tonight’s performance marking a significant premiere.

3. Yixie Shen – Lacewing (6 minutes)

Yixie Shen, winner of the 2024 Gaudeamus Award, is celebrated for her sophisticated soundscapes and innovative structures. Lacewing, a violin trio, showcases her expertise in timbre and immersive storytelling. Shen’s works have been performed globally, and she is currently based in Hamburg.

4. Willem Breuker – Fidget (6 minutes)

Willem Breuker (1944-2010), a Dutch saxophonist and composer, was a key figure in Dutch experimental music. Known for his theatrical jazz performances with the Willem Breuker Kollektief, Breuker’s Fidget reflects his boundary-pushing style.

5. Mihkel Kerem – String Quartet No.10 (10 minutes)

Estonian composer Mihkel Kerem is a prominent concertmaster and composer, known for his expressive and culturally rich works. Currently Assistant Concertmaster of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Kerem’s String Quartet No.10 exemplifies his nuanced and thoughtful compositional voice.

6. Kate Moore – Tarantella ( 6 minutes)

Kate Moore, an internationally acclaimed composer, explores the intersection of acoustic and electroacoustic sound. Known for her unique installations and self-built instruments, Moore’s works have been performed by ensembles worldwide. Tarantella delivers her signature rhythmic intensity.

More about the Kika Sprangers Lumen Trio:

• Kika Sprangers – Saxophones

• Martin Fondse – Piano and Keyboards

• Jörg Brinkmann – Cello

With her velvety sound and captivating compositions, Kika Sprangers is one of the most compelling musicians in the Netherlands. Her emotional and honest playing creates an intimate connection with her audience, bringing to life her vision of vulnerability and strength.

Inspired by great portrait photographers, writers, and cinematic artists, Kika’s music captures the quiet passion of her influences. Her debut album, Human Traits, merges portrait photography with music, exploring the essence of humanity. Kika embraces improvisation in her performances, reaching for those unforgettable moments when everything aligns. As the leader of her quintet and large ensemble, she creates adventurous musical journeys that both challenge and inspire.

Kika’s accolades include the Rogier van Otterloo Award and being named Young VIP 2018. Her latest album, Mind’s Eye, solidifies her reputation as a promising talent in modern jazz.

Jörg Brinkmann
An avant-garde cellist from Germany, Jörg Brinkmann redefines cello performance with innovative techniques. As noted by All About Jazz, “He creates a multifaceted stylistic approach, assuming the role of bassist with a groove unexpected from a classically trained cellist.” Brinkmann’s unique perspective on jazz and contemporary music has captivated global audiences across concert halls and festivals, with over 20 records on international labels like ACT Music and Challenge Records.

Martin Fondse
Martin Fondse is a musical omnivore, blending jazz, classical, and world music into his unique sound. Winner of the Dutch Boy Edgar Prize, Martin’s compositions have captivated audiences worldwide. His collaborations include working with legends like Pat Metheny and George Duke, and his film scores have garnered national and international awards. With twelve albums as a leader, Fondse’s style is both humorous and empathetic, inviting listeners into a boundary-blurring world of music.

The Piano at the concert is sponsored by Konrad Boehmer Foundation (KBF)

The piano was partly sponsored by EVERT SNEL PIANO.