Johanna Summer + De Beren Gieren

Double bill

Cankarjev dom Music Johanna Summer + De Beren Gieren

Johanna Summer, piano
De Beren Gieren: Fulco Ottervanger, piano; Lieven Van Pée, bass; Simon Segers, drums

A double bill presenting new European (piano) jazz by young musicians from Germany and the Benelux.

A musical storyteller, Johanna Summer has opened up a new direction in pianism, blending a classical approach and contemporary reflection to pursue her own path, a path that abounds in both technical and musical challenges. Hers is a vision that is comprehensive yet clear, captivating the listeners with wide-ranging musical ideas. In addition, Johanna inspires the creativity and new musical journeys of her fellow musicians.
Vollmaier

Johanna Summer is fantastic and simply an outstanding jazz pianist. She's so focused, engaging with original material so confidently and freely, yet maintaining her own tone all along. Remarkable!
Igor Levit

Johanna Summer's music is full of fantasy and defies all categories. Coming from European classical music, with a wonderful touch, she creates something perfect and unique. Beautiful music from A - Z. A new piano star.
Joachim Kühn

Released on 27 January 2023, Johanna Summer’s new, second album Resonanzen (ACT Music) has deepened the way she re-tells the music of classical composers through improvisation. The album spans a wide range, starting with Bach, Schubert, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Grieg and Ravel and ending with Mompou, Ligeti and Scriabin.
De Beren Gieren is a worldwide acclaimed band: besides being a must-see band on all the best Benelux stages, they brought their transcendental live energy to France, Germany, Portugal, Norway, England, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Estonia, Morocco and Japan. They were invited to perform at major events such as North Sea Jazz, Jazz Middelheim, Trondheim Jazz Festival, Moers Festival, Gent Jazz, Kanazawa Jazz Street, Eurosonic and Jazz Festival Ljubljana.

The trio is known for its unique energetic sound, sparkling melodies, complex structures and quirky song titles. They bring a blend of polyrhythmic soundscapes, sing-alongs and elitist twists, showing an ability to change mood in a way that constantly holds one’s attention. A live experience not to be missed. That’s certainly what brought the trio to collaborate with internationally renowned jazz artists, including Louis Sclavis, Ernst Reijseger, Joachim Badenhorst, Marc Ribot, Jan Klare and Jean-Yves Evrard.

The concert features De Beren Gieren’s latest album, Less Is Endless, which was released in autumn 2021.
De Beren Gieren concert forms part of the Unstable Network programme supported by the Europe Jazz Network.