Speaking in Tongues: cross-genre concert at the Beethovenfest Bonn

Описание: They call it “Speaking in Tongues”: four musicians compose and improvise as they tell a common, many-voiced story about Black identity. The concert will take place at the Theater im Ballsaal in Bonn as part of the Beethovenfest.

Program:
(00:00) Introduction by presenter MARIAMA BAH
(03:01) JAKOB NIERENZ: Into the Deep Blue (world premiere)
(19:17) HANNA MBUYA: Transition Together (world premiere)
(36:39) CASSIE KINOSHI: Rooted Bloom (world premiere)
(49:27) LUKAS AKINTAYA: Elevation and Orbit (world premiere)

Contributors:
JAKOB NIERENZ | Cello, Composition & Artistic Director
HANNA MBUYA | Tuba & Composition
CASSIE KINOSHI | Saxophone & Composition
LUKAS AKINTAYA | Drums & Composition
TITUS UNDERWOOD | Visuals
JULIO ESCOBAR MELLADO | Stage Design & Light Design
PABLO GARRETÓN | Sound Design
MARIAMA BAH | Presenter

"Speaking in Tongues" – this title refers to a phenomenon in which people speak languages apparently unknown to them. Beethovenfest Fellow Jakob Nierenz brings together musicians from the African diaspora to develop new compositions in several intensive sessions. Through this process, they experience the importance of "community" in a unique way, drawing inspiration from the dynamics of their collaboration and the musical heritage of Afro-diaspora people in the USA, Europe, and around the world. Through an equal, open-ended exchange of ideas, they use improvisation to find a common musical language that builds on their individual experiences, developing them collectively to create a rousing performance.

Beethovenfest Bonn is one of the largest and most innovative classical music festivals in Germany. Beethoven grew up in Bonn and experienced his most formative years here. The festival is guided by the spirit of his youthful, progressive and outgoing days, creating a 21st century environment for artists who enable us to experience his work. Beethoven’s music is celebrated in around 80 concerts, featuring everything from large international orchestras to pop acts, complemented by talks, exhibitions and workshops for everyone.

© 2025 Beethovenfest Bonn / Deutsche Welle

Thumbnail photo: © Dovile Sermokas

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