DeutschA multisensory concert – Thursday, 24th October 2024, 8 pm
Damir Bačikin, trumpet
Antonis Anissegos, piano
Fabio Dondero (Incense burning): laurel, Kyphi
Location: PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
You are cordially invited to PANDOMIMA with Damir and Antonis, a unique synthesis of contemporary music, modern jazz, and Slavic sounds. Experience melodies that are both memorable and infinite, in an evening filled with diverse musical influences that transcend boundaries. This multisensory event will feature incense burning during the concert, adding laurel and kyphi to the immersive atmosphere, blending the aromatic richness of ancient rituals with the refreshing essence of victory and purification. Incense appeals to one of the most neglected senses in our modern times: the olfactory. It affects the human spirit, influences our perception, and invites new experiences and emotions. These qualities inspire “Incense of Music” to combine this ancient art with music in a synesthetic project and engage the senses. For guests who are particularly sensitive to smoke, this event is not recommended. Join us for an unforgettable night that should not be missed!
Damir Bačikin
Damir Bačikin has firmly established himself as a versatile and accomplished trumpet player in Berlin. With a career spanning over 25 years, he captivates audiences with his unique and recognizable sound. From solo performances of new music to playing in classical chamber ensembles and orchestras, Damir continues to impress listeners with his unique sound. Originally from Serbia, Damir is a two-time winner of the Serbian national trumpet competition. In 2005, he moved to Berlin to study under Professor William Forman at the “Hans Eisler” Institute. His rigorous training and dedication have shaped him into the distinguished musician he is today. Damir has been a prominent figure in the field of new music for over 15 years. He has collaborated with esteemed composers such as Helmut Lachenmann, Vinko Globokar, György Kurtág, Fabian Levy, Daniel Ott among others. Playing as a member of the ensemble Unitedberlin (since 2009), he has performed over 100 concerts under the artistic direction of Vladimir Jurowski, both as Artist in Residence for the New music at the Konzerthaus Berlin and at various international festivals. During his student and early career freelancing years Damir collaborated on various recording projects, concert productions and the tours with the Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop, KNM Berlin, Zafraan ensemble Berlin, Stegreif Orchestra, but also with the international sound artists such as Matthew Herbert (UK), Ari Benjamin Mayers (USA), Rashad Newsome (USA), among others. Among the regular tours in Europe, Damir has played on the Tours in the US and Asia. Damir’s latest performance as the soloist and his debut on German National Radio (Deutschlandradio Kultur) in late 2023 received high praise from the New Music Magazine Germany (Neue Musikzeitung), which described his rendition of Ligeti’s “Mysteries of the Macabre” as “breathtaking” and “stunningly theatrical.” Earlier, in year 2022, he performed the solo recital for the trumpet at the New Music Concert series “Unerhörte Musik” in Berlin, where critics wrote, “Ingenious wind players in the BKA theater…” and “Bačikin ignites with virtuosity…”, playing his own composition “EARWORM!” ( funded by the Berlin Senate, “Arbeitsstipendium” 2022), among the other new music composers of the German scene. Beyond solo performances, Damir frequently appears as a guest trumpeter with numerous prestigious orchestras. His most recent, three years collaboration as a principal trumpet player, was with the Radio Symphonic Orchestra Berlin. Some of his most cherished projects was in Gérard Grisey’s “Les espaces acoustiques”, following is the opening of the Musikfest Berlin with the “Ais” Iannis Xenakis at the Berlin Philharmonic, and the orchestral Tour to the Enescu Festival appearing in the “World best Orchestras” category, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski. In Spring 2024, Damir won the trumpet audition for the Symphonic wind Orchestra with the Bundespolizei Berlin and he is very excited to join them in the fall this yer, since the Symphonic wind music is one of his favorite. This new chapter in his career promises to bring more exciting performances and opportunities to showcase his exceptional talent.
Antonis Anissegos
Antonis Anissegos, based since 1998 in Berlin, is working as a composer, pianist (interpreter/improviser) and electronic musician (alias “unu”). In 2024 he started the trio Air, Bee & Tree, with Dan Peter Sundland (el. bass) and Daniel Schröteler (drums) and also the duo aNo with the vocal artist and electronic musician Alex Nowitz. Among his current projects are: Trio IAMA (w/ Jannis Anissegos, Maria Anissegou), ΣΩΜΑ (w/ Thymios Atzakas), best before unu (w/ bestbefore), Grix (w/ Floros Floridis, Yorgos Dimitriadis), Card Castle (w/ Mike Majkowski, Christian Marien), NPC (w/ Oliver Potratz, Ivars Arutyunyan). Collaboration with the Berliner Ensemble (2018), the Neuköllner Oper (2017), Novoflot (since 2017) and the theatre ensemble “Werkgruppe 2” in Braunschweig (2015). Since 2015 a frequent guest of the Ensemble Adapter. Since 2014 member of Dine Doneff’s “Lost Anthropology” and Silke Eberhard’s “Potsa Lotsa Plus”. In 2013, concerts with Gebhard Ullmann’s “Berlin Suite” and a Japan Tour with ΣΩΜΑ & Shoji Hano. In 2012 he performed with the Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss the solo part of Ali N. Askin’s prepared piano concerto. Since 2012 he is participating at the New Music Days in Ulm. He is a member of the European Music Project & Ensemble Junge Musik and he has worked for many years together with the violinist Julius Schwahn, the violinist Biliana Voutchkova and the cellist Maria Magdalena Wiesmaier. Member of the dance ensemble “adLibdances” (Katerina Papageorgiou aka Kat Vàlastur, 2007-2011). Since 2006 he is performing together with the butoh-dancer Yuko Kaseki as duo KAYA with many appearances in Germany, Switzerland and Greece. Their common dance-music piece “Umbra” in collaboration with the Theater Thikwa received many performances in 2009/10. Together with the video artist Erika Matsunami he presented in Kyoto Art Center (Japan) a workshop and the performance “rasenjou no jikan / deflection” (April 2005). Their duo OIO worked together till 2009 with performances in Berlin (Transmediale, Haus der Kulturen der Welt), Wuppertal, Venice (Biennale), Seoul (Exis Festival), Barcelona. Many concerts with the Taner Akyol Trio, the Kemal Dinc Ensemble and various projects with Nicolas Simion and Jürgen Grözinger over the last decade. Since the summer of 2006 he is holding an Improvisation Workshop at the Music Village in Agios Lavrentios in Greece. His Amoebas- and Lynx-recordings were awarded the “Studio Prize 2001 & 2005” from the Berlin Senat. In autumn 2002 he was also awarded the “Composition 2002” from the Berlin Senat for “Stirrings Still”, a work for chamber ensemble and voice, based on the last text by S. Beckett. In march 2003, his Berliner band was invited for concerts at the Tongyeong-International-Musicfestival in South Korea. In 2000, Mr. Anissegos won 1st price in the Neuköllner Oper Berlin Composition Competition, which uncluded a commission for a full length chamber opera with 15 performances (“Hundeherz”, by M. Bulgakow). He began studying the piano at the age of 7. In 1991, he received his Diploma in Piano Performance at State Conservatory of Thessaloniki (class of Eleni Xenariou). He continued piano (A. Laszlo) and composition (G. Orban) studies at the Ferenc Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary. In 1991-93 he collaborated with Manos Hadjidakis, who also offered him commissions for new compositions. From 1992 to 1995, he studied composition (K. Schwertzig) in Vienna and in Cologne (K. Meyer) from 1995 to 1997. During this time he studied also jazz piano with John Taylor. He received his compotition diploma in 1997, and continued post-graduate studied (W. Zimmermann) at the Berlin Academy (UdK), where he received his degree in 2002. Within the student period he took part in master classes by György Ligeti, Zoltan Kocsis, Imre Rohnmann, Pierre Laurent-Aimard, György Kurtag and Lev Vlassenko. His solo-, chamber-, orchester- and theatermusic-compositions where performed among others by Ensemble Modern, Ensemble Mosaik, Ensemble Cornucopia, Ensemble Piandaemonium, Ensemble DissonArt, Ensemble LUX:NM, State Orchestra of Thessaloniki, Colour Orchestra of Athens, Magdeburgische Philharmonie, Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra Brasov, Württembergische Philharmonie and Youth Orchestra of Thüringen. Concerts in Europe, Asia & America. Record releases of music by John Cage (“Time-Length Pieces”, Gligg records, 2012 & “Time-Length Pieces” on Wergo, 2014). He appears on over 60 recordings mainly in the field of contemporary creative music.
Laurel, known scientifically as Laurus nobilis, is an evergreen tree or shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is best known for its aromatic leaves, which have been used for centuries in cooking, medicine, and as a symbol of victory and honor. The leaves of the laurel plant have a distinct, slightly spicy aroma and are commonly used as a culinary herb, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine. They can be used fresh or dried to flavor soups, stews, and sauces. In ancient times, laurel leaves were associated with the Greek god Apollo and were used to create wreaths for victors in athletic competitions, symbolizing achievement and status. This tradition continues today, with laurel wreaths representing success in various fields. Laurel also has medicinal properties; its leaves contain essential oils that may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Additionally, laurel is often used in aromatherapy for its calming and grounding qualities, making it a versatile and revered plant in both culinary and cultural contexts.
Kyphi is an ancient Egyptian incense blend, traditionally used in religious rituals and ceremonies. It is known for its rich and complex fragrance, often created from a combination of various aromatic ingredients, including resins (such as myrrh and frankincense), herbs, spices, and oils. Kyphi was typically prepared as a paste and could be shaped into cones or sticks for burning. The scent of Kyphi is both sweet and earthy, evoking a sense of calm and spiritual elevation. It was believed to have purifying properties and was often used in temples during worship, as well as for personal meditation and healing. The preparation of Kyphi varied over time and across different regions, with recipes sometimes including ingredients like wine, honey, and various floral elements, enhancing its aromatic profile. This blend not only served a ceremonial purpose but also held a place in daily life, used for its pleasing aroma and potential health benefits. Kyphi remains a symbol of ancient Egyptian spirituality and culture, representing the profound connection between scent and the divine.