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Incense of Music 64 - The Donavazi Project
Incense of Music 64
A multisensory concert – Friday, 13. June 2025, 8 pm
Mazyar Younesi: piano, voice
Rouzbeh Fadavi: drums
Roshanak Rafani: percussion
Fabio Dondero (Incense burning): Boswellia
PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
Join us for an immersive evening where sound and scent merge into a unique artistic journey. The Donavazi Project from Iran brings a contemporary approach to Persian musical traditions, weaving intricate piano and drum compositions that transcend time and place. This special concert will be enhanced by the ancient aroma of Boswellia incense, creating a deep sensory connection between music, space, and perception. As the melodies unfold, the rich fragrance will amplify the emotional and meditative dimensions of the performance. This event is not recommended for people who are sensitive to smoke.
The Donavazi Project was established in 2021 by Mazyar Younesi, a pianist, and Rouzbeh Fedavi, a drummer. The project travels over the melody, structure, and various motifs of Iranian music using the piano and drums. These instruments have a broad sonic range and versatile coloring capabilities, allowing for a new approach to performing and interpreting Iranian music. With the inspiration of Iranian musical forms and logics, the project seeks to challenge the limits of music within a traditionbased framework and take listeners on a unique journey.
https://youtu.be/e5i0grTZP6c?si=QEHAADOopHEPa93F
CHARGHAHI
In the Radif music of Iran, each Dastgah and Avaz is characterized by features that convey a unique atmosphere and different ambiance to the listener. This ambiance is a distinctive sonic space defined by musical intervals and the music's nuances, accents, rises, and falls. The Dastgah-e Chahargah comprises four main "Gāhs" or maqams, each with its specific name: Daramad, Hesār, Zābol, and Mokhālef. Chahargahi Album is a collection of personal interpretations of the Dastgah-e Chahargah. The execution of this project adheres to the principles of Iranian Chamber Music in terms of phrases, forms, and rhythmic-melodic-harmonic parts while aiming to expand the emotional dimensions of Chahargah. The harmonies sometimes discover meaning in the overtones of metallic percussion instruments and other times in the modulations of the piano, transforming this collection into a novel experience in Iranian music.
MEMBERS
Mazyar Younesi is an Iranian pianist, composer, conductor, and singer. He began his musical journey by learning the tombak and later taught himself the setar, studying the Radif of Iranian music. He chose piano as his primary instrument and continued his M.A. in composition at the University of Tehran. Since 2008, Mazyar Younesi has been involved with the Austrian Cultural Forum, performing classical singing and later experiencing choral and orchestral conducting. Additionally, he has served as the artistic director and conductor of the Iran-Austria Symphony Orchestra (AISO) since 2014. He is composing for numerous films, series, and animations, and Performing at various festivals in different countries has allowed him to collaborate with international musicians.In 2021, Maziar Younesi started the Donavazi Project with Rouzbeh Fadavi.
Rouzbeh Fadavi, composer, rhythm designer, and drummer, began his musical journey at 17 with the guitar but ultimately chose the drums as his primary instrument. He graduated in architecture and has participated in numerous projects as a composer and drummer, including Diminished Quartet, Tenor Trio, Zaffron Collective, and others. He has also composed music for theater, participated in various international music festivals, and collaborated with international musicians. In 2021, Roozbeh Fadavi started the Donavazi Project with Mazyar Younesi.
GUEST
Roshanak Rafani, 1994, Iran A multi-dimensional Berlin-based percussionist, Roshanak Rafani's diverse background in both Iranian and Classical music has enabled her to transcend conventional genre boundaries, nurturing her artistic curiosity. Specializing in instruments such as Daf and 2 Tombak, she has showcased her talents internationally, performing solo and as part of ensembles like the Mahbanoo Ensemble. A graduate of percussion performance from the Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin, Roshanak boasts extensive experience performing with esteemed orchestras such as the Austro-Iranian Symphony Orchestra (AISO), Junge Philharmonie Berlin, Deutsches Kammerorchester Berlin (DKO), and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra under the direction of Daniel Barenboim. In the contemporary music sphere, Roshanak has collaborated with various musicians and ensembles, including the Pierre Boulez Ensemble, Lugano Percussion Ensemble, and Cymin Samawatie.
https://youtu.be/BWDIc1p-GgU?si=9elV7_13yH8JI7aR
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia. This ancient substance has been highly valued for its use in incense, perfumes, and traditional medicine. The resin is harvested by making small incisions in the tree bark, allowing the sap to ooze out and harden into beads of frankincense. Known for its rich, earthy aroma with hints of citrus and spice, frankincense has been used in religious and cultural ceremonies for thousands of years. It is believed to possess various therapeutic properties, such as reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and enhancing meditation practices. High-quality frankincense is primarily sourced from regions like Somalia and Oman, where the unique climate and soil conditions contribute to its distinctive fragrance and beneficial qualities.
Incense of Music 63 - CÀLÓR
Incense of Music 63
A multisensory concert – Friday, 9. May 2025, 20 Uhr
CÀLÓR
Camilla Battaglia: vocal, electronics
Julius Windisch, piano, keys
Lisa Hoppe, double bass
Lukas Akintaya, drums
Fabio Dondero (Incense burning): Breuzinho and Pinus pinaster
PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
Experience CÀLÓR: A Multisensory Concert Like No Other
Step into a world where sound, scents, texture, and emotion intertwine. CÀLÓR, an ensemble of visionary musicians, invites you to a one-of-a-kind multisensory concert—a fusion of jazz, electronics, and immersive storytelling that will awaken your senses. Through a dynamic interplay of acoustic and electronic soundscapes, CÀLÓR crafts a visceral journey, where music transcends mere hearing and becomes something to feel, see, and experience deeply. Expect pulsating rhythms, ethereal textures, and evocative improvisations that push the boundaries of live performance. Join us for an evening of sound and sensation. This is more than a concert—it’s an experience.
Camilla Battaglia, singer and composer born in 1990, has her musical roots in jazz music with which she grew up musically and which she has expanded over the years towards various contaminations. In 2010 she released her first record as a vocalist and for the next two years she tested herself in contests as a soloist and as a band leader with satisfaction and devoted herself to live concerts activity. In 2012 she graduated in philosophy at Università Statale di Milano and immediately enrolled at the Siena Jazz University where she graduated in 2016 in Jazz Vocals with full marks. That year she begun the itinerant path of the EUJam - European Master Program - thanks to which she studied at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, the JIB in Berlin and the Conservatorium Van Amsterdam, graduating in 'contemporary composition and music performance' in 2018 in Copenhagen with a project for large ensemble -ELEkTRA- dedicated to archetypal female figures from ancient history and mythology. The encounter with different artists and performing realities led her to the creation of two albums as a composer ("Tomorrow" in 2016 and "EMIT" in 2018), collaborating with international artists from Europe and the States (David Binney, Ambrose Akinmusire, Mederic Collignon, Patrice Heral, Kresten Osgood, Mike McCormick, Gianluca Petrella, Stefano Battaglia, Paolo Damiani) and experimenting in very different contexts: from the jazz big band (Orchestra della Sardegna), orchestra (Orchestra ONGTJ from 2015 to 2017); solo performances and multimedia interactions; from the acoustic sound spectrum to the electroacoustic and pure electronic one. The project for voice and live electronics, Perpetual Possibility, was previewed for the Musicus Concentus Festival in Florence in 2019 and then landed in Berlin thanks to an artistic residency promoted by Scope Berlin that put it in relation with interactive work by light artist Martin Mayer. The collaboration with Mayer was consolidated during another residency in Modena (October 2020), where they worked on a performance for electro-acoustic sextet and light art with music dedicated to the poems of E.E. Cummings. The solo project has been hosted in many different realities in the city of Berlin (from theaters to art galleries) and in jazz and contemporary music events in Italy.
https://camillabattaglia.bandcamp.com/
Julius Windisch is a German jazz and improvisational musician (piano, synthesizer, composition). Windisch grew up in Offenburg, where he played in the school big band until graduating from Schillergymnasium. From 2014 to 2017, he studied at the Bern University of the Arts with Django Bates and Colin Vallon before continuing his master's studies at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, the Jazz Institute Berlin, and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, completing them in 2019. In 2015 and 2016, he was a Lyra Foundation scholarship recipient in Zurich. In recent years, Windisch has performed across Europe with his own bands. With his quartet—including saxophonist Sölvi Kolbeinsson, bassist Felix Henkelhausen, and drummer Max Santner—he released the album Chaos on Hout Records in 2020, receiving positive reviews. In 2021, he introduced “exciting and richly colorful music” on Deutschlandfunk with his trio, featuring Igor Spallati and drummer Fermín Merlo. Their blend of "lyrical, fragile moods and powerful, energetic passages" was highly praised. That same year, they released the album Pros and Cons on Double Moon Records. Additionally, Windisch recorded Collective Consciousness with Fabian Dudek, Dan Peter Sundland, and Moritz Baumgärtner. He also founded a trio with Leif Berger and Simon Jermyn, which was expanded for a 2021 tour with cellist Elisabeth Coudoux, resulting in the album Live at Loft (Bandcamp, 2022). In 2023, he toured in a quartet with Coudoux, Jermyn, and drummer Mariá Portugal. With his band Immerweiter (featuring Pascal Klewer, Sofia Eftychidou, and Marius Wankel), he released the album In Its Own Pace (Boomslang Records, 2023). Windisch has also performed with Peter Bruun, Kresten Osgood, Philipp Gropper, Bernhard Meyer, and Tristan Renfrow. His playing can be heard on Moritz Stahl’s album Traumsequenz (2024).
Lisa Hoppe (*1988 in Rotenburg (Wümme)) is a German jazz musician (double bass, also electric bass, composition). Hoppe attended the Ratsgymnasium in her hometown, where she was part of the orchestra and big band. She also played in the band Gemeinschaftspraxis. She began studying jazz double bass at the University of the Arts Bremen and continued her studies in Bern from 2012, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2013 and her master’s degree in 2015. She remained active in Bern before exploring the New York City music scene in 2017. Today, she is based in Berlin. Since 2014, Hoppe has been a member of the chamber music trio Esche, alongside Luzius and Laura Schuler, releasing three albums together. In 2018, she founded her own band, Third Reality, with saxophonist David Leon and guitarist Tal Yahalom. Their debut album, The Mighty Unlikely, released on JazzHausMusik, received positive reviews. This was followed by the EPs The Lightness of Change (2020) and Dinner with Abstract Poetry (2022). In a different lineup, she also released the EPs Will This Computer Ever Sing to Me Like My Mother? and 4 Songs About Healing. Hoppe has performed at renowned festivals, including XJAZZ, the Aarhus Jazz Festival, Cully Jazz Festival, and Schaffhauser Jazz Festival. She has collaborated with numerous musicians, such as Rich Perry, Tyshawn Sorey, Ben Monder, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Dmitri Tymoczko, Jessica Pavone, Samantha Boshnack, Devin Gray, Louna Dekker Vargas, Nick Dunston, Philipp Gropper, Bernhard Bamert, Daniel Weber, Emanuele Maniscalco, Philipp Schlotter, Fred Bürki, and Marena Whitcher. Hoppe has also contributed to albums by Das Seltene Orchester, Janetts Jazzmusik-Baukasten, Marc Jufer Trio, Niculin Janett Quartet, Of Dwarfs and Other Creatures, Webers Hebel, and Zéphyr Combo. In 2015, she was a finalist for the ZKB Jazz Prize with the trio Me&Mobi. Her unconventionally arranged quintet Ysop, featuring vocalist Gaya Feldheim Schorr, violinist Laura Schuler, trombonist Julia Rüffert, and pianist Danielle Friedman, was awarded the BeJazz TransNational Prize in 2022.
Lukas Akintaya (*1991 in Lüneburg, Germany) is a German jazz musician, composer, creative producer, and educator, recognized for his dynamic presence in the European-American improvised music scene. His artistic endeavors span solo projects and collaborations across dance, theater, performance, and installation arts. Akintaya's musical journey began at the age of six with classical drum training. As a teenager, he gravitated towards improvised and groove-based music. After completing his secondary education in 2011, he pursued studies at the University of the Arts Bremen under Prof. Wolfgang Ekholt. In 2013, he transitioned to the Jazz Institute Berlin, where he studied with Prof. John Hollenbeck, Jim Black, and Greg Cohen, earning his bachelor's degree in 2017. During 2015-2016, Akintaya enriched his education with an Erasmus semester at the Paris Conservatory (CNSMDP) under Dré Pallemaerts. From 2018 to 2020, supported by a DAAD scholarship, he completed his Master of Music at New York University, studying with Drew Gress, Alan Ferber, Kevin Hays, and Ari Hoenig. In 2013, Akintaya co-founded the Holon Trio with pianist Povel Widestrand and bassist Mathias Højgaard Jensen. The trio released two albums, "Holon" (2016) and "Shields Down" (2019), and performed extensively on international stages. Their innovative approach earned them the European Burghauser Young Jazz Prize in 2015. In 2019, Akintaya launched HUES, a project reflecting his experiences in New York. The debut album, "HUES," released in 2021 on Skirl Records, showcases genre-blending compositions that traverse contemporary jazz, indie, experimental rock, ambient, and electronic music. The ensemble features notable musicians such as Keisuke Matsuno, Simon Jermyn, Jeremy Viner, Billy Drewes, and Elias Stemeseder. LUKAS AKINTAYA Beyond his ensemble work, Akintaya is active in Berlin's vibrant arts scene, engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations that merge music with dance, theater, and visual arts. His creative output is characterized by atmospheric soundscapes, melodic compositions, personal poetry, and politically engaged storytelling.
https://www.lukasakintaya.com/
Breuzinho (also known as breu branco) is a natural resin from the Protium tree species, native to the Amazon rainforest. It has been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples and traditional healers for its aromatic, spiritual, and medicinal properties. Breuzinho has a rich, earthy, and slightly citrusy scent with balsamic and woody undertones. Some describe it as a mix of pine, frankincense, and vanilla. Often burned in rituals to clear negative energy and enhance meditation. Traditionally used for its expectorant properties to ease breathing and soothe the respiratory system. The calming fragrance can reduce stress, improve concentration, and uplift the mood. The resin can be burned on charcoal, in an incense burner, or infused into candles and essential oils. Breuzinho is often compared to frankincense and copal, making it a great natural alternative for those who enjoy resin-based incenses with grounding and purifying effects.
Pinus pinaster, commonly known as the Maritime Pine or Cluster Pine, is a species of pine tree that originates from the Mediterranean region, particularly found in southern Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa. It is a tall, evergreen tree that typically reaches heights of 20-30 meters but can occasionally grow even taller in ideal conditions. The tree has long, slender needles that grow in clusters of two, which give it a distinct, soft appearance. Its bark is thick and rough, often reddish-brown in color, and it produces large, woody cones that mature over time. Maritime Pine is highly adaptable and thrives in coastal areas, where it is often found in sandy, dry soils. It is particularly resilient to drought, making it an important species for reforestation in arid regions and often planted in forest plantations. Due to its tolerance for diverse environmental conditions, it plays a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Mediterranean forests. In addition to its ecological importance, Pinus pinaster has a wide range of practical uses. Its wood is valued for its strength and is commonly used in construction and furniture-making, as well as for producing paper. The tree’s resin is harvested for the production of turpentine and other essential oils, which are used in various products, including aromatherapy and health-related goods. Beyond these, the essential oils derived from its needles and wood are also used for their invigorating and therapeutic properties. The versatility and wide-ranging benefits of Pinus pinaster make it an important tree both ecologically and economically.
Incense of Music 61 - Striffler, Buder
Incense of Music 61
A multisensory concert - Saturday, March 1st 2025, 8 pm
Fabiana Striffler: violin, voice
Hannes Buder, cello, voice, electronics
Fabio Dondero (Incense burning): Juniper
Join us for a concert with two exceptional artists and a classic of incense burning (Juniper). Don’t miss this night of unique, genre-defying sound—where jazz, avant-garde, and classical influences come together in an intimate performance that promises to captivate. For guests who are particularly sensitive to smoke, this event is not recommended.
PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
Fabiana Striffler is a musician (violin, vocals, composition) who moves between jazz and avant-folk. In 2022 she was nominated for the German Jazz Award for her music, and in 2021 she was awarded the German Jazz Award as part of the Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra. "Fabiana Striffler is a very talented violinist who plays directly from the heart. Her beautiful sound is a reflection of herself. Fabiana has a unique balance of keen intuition and intellect that allows her to make pure music no matter what creative situation she finds herself in.” (New York, Garry Dial, Grammy “live at the Village Vanguard”) In 2024, she released her fourth album with Paris-based cellist Karsten Hochapfel, La Plume Du Dimanche (Wopela), as well as the single Konferenzverschaltung for synthesizer and strings (Traumton). In 2023 and 2024, she released six more albums in collaborations with other artists, in which she increasingly contributed her voice in addition to her violin. Concerto Magazine: “Gustav Mahler might have composed such songs if a time machine had catapulted him into the early 21st century: mysteriously radiant, touching and full of unheard-of sounds...”. Residencies and scholarships have taken her to New York, Paris, Glasgow and Tallahassee. She received the Elsa Neumann Scholarship for her modern and improvising string quartet. She was sponsored by the Yehudi Menuhin Association for six years. She grew up in Italy and lived temporarily in Spain and France.
https://www.fabianastriffler.com/
Social: https://www.instagram.com/fabianastriffler/
Hannes Buder is a cellist, guitarist, and composer. He feels connected to the artists of the Art Brut, Abstract Expressionism and Minimal Music. "If I could make music the way Mark Rothko painted, I would be a happy man.“ He develops his own compositions and sounds utilising the cello, electric guitar and his voice. He feels related to outsider artists who create not within the confines of genre but following their own necessity of expression. His last solo albums were 'changes II' (2015 on Umlaut Records) and 'outside words' (2021 on Laaps Records). For over 20 years, Buder has regularily collaborated with dancers and theater ensembles, which is strongly reflected in the physicality of his playing. The album „Your Dramatic Joy“ appeared in 2023 in collaboration with Ernesto Rodrigues and others. "Wonderfully balanced sound-art, versatile, lively and uncompromising in its musical character.” (Süddeutsche Zeitung) „All the pieces are extremely fluid, unfolding their own well measured minimalism in instinctive constructions, which are clothed in austere Gothic traits, flowery Renaissance harmonies and deconstructions of an instinctive improvisation, which sublimates in a nervous and elegiac post-modernity, crowned by a pulsating, deeply human chorality.“ (Music won't save you, January 2022)
Website: http://hannesbuder.de/
New Album: https://laaps-records.com/album/outside-words
Social: https://www.instagram.com/hannesbuder/
Juniper (Juniperus spp.) is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the cypress family, known for its needle-like leaves and aromatic berries. It thrives in diverse climates, from dry rocky landscapes to alpine forests. Juniper berries, actually seed cones, are used in cooking, medicine, and gin production. Juniper has been used as an incense for centuries in various cultures for purification, protection, and spiritual practices. When burned, juniper releases a crisp, woody, and slightly sweet aroma with a hint of citrus and spice. Many indigenous and ancient cultures, including the Celts and Native American tribes, burned juniper to cleanse spaces of negative energy, much like sage or palo santo. In European folklore, juniper smoke was believed to ward off evil spirits, illness, and misfortune. It was often burned in homes or at entrances to create a protective barrier. The scent of juniper is known to stimulate the mind, promote clarity, and enhance focus, making it a popular choice for meditation, shamanic rituals, and divination. Juniper incense is thought to have antimicrobial properties and is used in some traditions to support respiratory health, reduce stress, and promote emotional balance. How to Use Juniper as Incense: Dried Juniper Sprigs or Berries: These can be burned directly on charcoal or added to incense blends. Juniper Resin: The resin, often combined with other resins like frankincense or copal, produces a rich, earthy scent when burned. Juniper Incense Sticks or Cones: Commercially available, these provide a convenient way to enjoy the cleansing properties of juniper. Burning juniper incense can create a grounding yet uplifting atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for rituals, meditation, or simply freshening a space with its refreshing, forest-like fragrance.