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Incense of Music 59 - Downes/ Stefansson/ Buck
A multisensory concert – Saturday, 11th January 2025, 8 pm
Kit Downes, piano
Thorbjørn Silas Stefansson, bass
Tony Buck, drums
Fabio Dondero (Incense burning): Elemi
Experience an unforgettable evening of experimental jazz as Kit Downes (piano), Thorbjørn Silas Stefansson (bass), and Tony Buck (drums) come together for an intimate and atmospheric performance at Panda Platforma. These three internationally renowned musicians will guide you through an immersive sonic journey, blending intricate improvisations with deep, meditative soundscapes. As part of this unique concert, the burning of Elemi incense will fill the air. Elemi, a resin derived from tropical trees, has been used for centuries for its calming and spiritual properties. With its fresh, citrusy, and slightly balsamic scent, Elemi enhances the atmosphere, creating a perfect setting for this deep musical exploration. This event is not recommended for people who are sensitive to smoke.
PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
Kit Downes is a BBC Jazz Award winning, Mercury Music Award nominated solo recording artist for ECM Records. He has toured the world playing piano, church organ and harmonium with his own bands (‘ENEMY’, ‘Troyka’ and ‘Elt’) as well as with artists such as Squarepusher, Bill Frisell, ‘Empirical‘, Andrew Cyrille, Sofia Jernberg, Benny Greb, Mica Levi and Sam Amidon. Kit performs solo pipe organ and solo piano concerts – as well as playing in collaborations with saxophonist Tom Challenger, cellist Lucy Railton, composer Shiva Feshareki, saxophonist Ben van Gelder and with the band ‘ENEMY’ (with Petter Eldh and James Maddren). He is also currently working with violinist Aidan O’Rourke, drummer Seb Rochford, composer Max de Wardener and in the organ trio ‘Deadeye’ with Reinier Baas and Jonas Burgwinkel. He has written commissions for Cheltenham Music Festival, London Contemporary Orchestra, Biel Organ Festival, Ensemble Klang at ReWire Festival, the Scottish Ensemble, Cologne Philharmonie and the Wellcome Trust. He also performed as part of the National Theatre production of ‘Network’ from 2017-2018, featuring actor Bryan Cranston. He has performed solo organ concerts at the Elb Philharmonie in Hamburg, Lausanne Cathedral, Flagey in Brussels, the Royal Albert Hall in London as well as the Southbank Royal Festival Hall, Rochester Jazz Festival (US), St Olafs Minneapolis (US), Stavanger Konserthus, Aarhus Philharmonic Musikhuset, Darmstadt Organ Festival, Stuttgart Organ Festival, Laurenskerke in Rotterdam, Orgelpark in Amsterdam, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church at Berlin Jazz Festival, and the BBC Proms amongst many others. He holds a fellowship at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he himself studied and now teaches. He has twice been awarded 1st place in Downbeat’s Critics Poll Rising Star for Organ and Keyboard categories respectively, and his ECM records ‘Obsidian‘, ‘Dreamlife of Debris‘ and ‘Vermillion‘ have been released to much critical acclaim.
Tony Buck is regarded as one of Australia’s most creative and adventurous exports, with vast experience across the globe. As a drummer, percussionist, improviser, guitarist, video maker and producer, he has been involved in a highly diverse array of projects but is probably best known around the world as a member of the trio “The Necks”. Apart from The Necks he has played, toured or recorded with Jon Rose, Otomo Yoshihide, John Zorn, T. Cora, Phil Minton, Haino, Even Parker, The Machine for Making Sense, Lee Ranaldo, Ne Zhdall, The EX, Clifford Jordan, Ground Zero … Following studies and early experience in Australia he spent time in Japan, where he formed “Peril” with Otomo Yoshihide and Kato Hideki before relocating to Europe in the mid-nineties. Some of the more high profile projects he has been involved with include the band Kletka Red, and touring and recording with, among others, The EX, The Exiles, and Corchestra, and involvement with most of the international improvisation and new music community and festivals. He also creates video works for use with live music performance and has had pieces shown in Tokyo, Belfast, Berlin, New York and Sydney. Current projects include a LIVE solo adaption of the UNEARTH music, incorporating installations, video, drums and guitar; “Spill” with Magda Mayas; “Transmit” (a guitar driven post-rock project); New York based trio “Glacial” (with David Watson and Lee Ranaldo); “Circadia” (with Kim Myhr, David Stackenas and Joe Williamson); a long standing duo with Axel Doerner as well as a continuing in ad hoc and improvised performance settings.
Thorbjørn Stefansson, a renowned double bassist and composer, is widely recognized as a versatile artist within the European improvised music scene. He is an integral part of both the Danish and German jazz scenes and has collaborated with numerous national and international artists. Thorbjørn is involved in several projects and released the debut album with the trio Dream Big Fish in 2024. Other releases include "Sun Ark" (2024), "Nissen Mosh - Precious" (2022), and "Rasmus Holm Quartet - Fatamorgana" (2021). In 2021, he received the JIB-Jazz-Prize for "Outstanding Soloist". Thorbjørn has toured in Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the USA, performing at internationally acclaimed jazz festivals, as well as appearing live on radio broadcasts such as Radio Brandenburg Berlin (RBB), Deutschlandfunk Kultur, P8 Jazz, and Radio Jazz Denmark.
Elemi is a fragrant resin obtained from trees in the Canarium genus, native to tropical regions, particularly in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. It has been used for centuries in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine. Elemi resin has a fresh, lemony, and slightly spicy scent with balsamic undertones. It is often described as both uplifting and calming, making it ideal for use in rituals or meditation. Known for its healing and purifying properties, Elemi has also been applied in aromatherapy to promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and aid in emotional balance. In ancient times, it was used in ointments and embalming practices, similar to myrrh and frankincense. Its soft, sticky texture is often used in making incense, where its rich, grounding aroma creates a soothing and spiritual atmosphere.
Incense of Music 58 - Lyatoshynsky Trio
A multisensory concert – Saturday, 30th November 2024, 8 pm
Lyatoshynsky Trio
Mykhaylo Zakharov, violin
Artem Yasynskyy, piano
Susanne Szambelan, cello
Fabio Dondero (Incense burning): birch, nard
Program:
Yevhen Stankovych - Trio for violin, cello and piano "Epilogy
Felix Mendelssohn - Bartholdy - Piano Trio n.1 d- moll, op. 49
Astor Piazzolla - Las Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas
PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
Join us for a Multisensory Concert at Panda Platforma, experience classical music like never before in the unique setting of Panda Platforma. The Lyatoshynsky Trio will perform an evocative program featuring Yevhen Stankovych's "Epilogy", Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No. 1, and Piazzolla's Las Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas. This concert will engage all your senses, making it an unforgettable evening of immersive music with the earthy aromas of birch and the soothing essence of nard, creating a calming and spiritually enriching atmosphere. 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!
Lyatoshynsky Trio was founded in 2019 by winners and laureates of prestigious international competitions. The trio focuses on performing prominent works of chamber music, particularly by Ukrainian composers, and aims to disseminate unknown or rarely performed works. Their wide-ranging repertoire spans from cotemporary music to works by Boris Lyatoshynsky, Valentyn Sylvestrov, Myroslav Skoryk, Beethoven and Mendelssohn. Their debut performance at the Konzerthaus in Vienna featuring the world premiere of Myroslav Skorik' s Piano Trio was a great success. The trio has achieved significant success on the international stage, performing in various countries such as France, Austria, Germany, Lithuania, showcasing their commitment to bringing Ukrainian music to global audiences. This concert gave rise to subsequent performances in France, Austria, Germany and Lithuania including venues such as the Konzerthaus - Mozartsaal, the Ehrbar Sall and Arnold Schönberg Center in Vienna, the Opéra Comique in Paris, the Lviv National Philharmonic, the National Philharmonic of Ukraine in Kyiv, the Kharkiv State Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Klaipeda Concert Hall in Lithuania. In 2020 Lyatoshynsky Trio recorded its debut album, featuring two piano Trios by Borys Lyatoshynsky. The recording received wide acclaim and was among others broadcast on BBC Radio 3. In addition to their classical repertoire the Trio is constantly searching for new performance techniques and forms. In 2021 in Kyiv, the Trio performed in the multimedia project “Reflections. Lines of Fate ” which combined classical music together with 3D visualisations, offering a radically new take on the history of Ukrainian composers.
Mykhaylo Zakharov was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine. In 2005, he began his studies at the Graz University of Music in Austria with Prof. Boris Kuschnir, from which he graduated with honors, receiving his Master ' s Degree. Mykhaylo is an active chamber musician and has performed with renowned musicians such as Boris Kuschnir, Julian Rachlin, Nikolai Znaider, Alexey Igudesman, Jasminka Stancul, Gérard Caussé, Nobuko Imai, Franz Helmerson, M. Perényi, Orfeo Mandozzi in many countries of the world. As a soloist, he performed with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, Kharkiv Philharmonic Orchestra, Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra (Croatia), Camerata Helvetica St. Gallen (Switzerland), Odesa National Philharmonic Orchestra (Ukraine), Capella Bydgostiensis Chamber Orchestra (Poland) and Kyiv Camerata. Mykhaylo has been awarded prizes from the “International Music Festival” (Bled, Slovenia), International Beethoven Wettbewerb (St. Pölten, Austria), and Fidelio Wettbewerb (Vienna, Austria). He has participated in various international music festivals, including Les Rencontres Festival (Switzerland), Kharkiv Music Fest (Ukraine), Kyiv Music Fest (Ukraine), Eilat Chamber Music Festival (Israel), Komitas Festival (Germany), the National Gallery Festival (Armenia) and Andrzej Nikodemowicz International Festival Time and Sound (Poland), UStream Festival (Austria). Founder of the Lyatoshynsky Trio.
Artem Yasynskyy was born in 1988 in Donetsk, Ukraine. He gave his first concert at the age of eight. He graduated with honors in piano from the Prokofiev State Music College in Donetsk, during which time he achieved numerous competition successes. Since 2010, he has been residing in Bremen, where he completed both a postgraduate and a master ' s program at the University of the Arts Bremen. Starting from 2015, Artem has been teaching piano as a lecturer at the University of the Arts Bremen. In the summer of 2021, Artem won the 2nd Prize and five additional awards at the Sydney International Piano Competition. He is also the recipient of the Gold Medal at the Cincinnati World Piano Competition in Ohio, USA. He has received awards in prestigious international piano competitions such as the Gina Bachauer Piano Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Sendai International Music Competition in Japan, the Gian Battista Viotti International Piano Competition in Vercelli, Italy, and the Horowitz International Piano Competition in Kyiv, Ukraine, among others. He has performed with orchestras including the Utah Symphony in Salt Lake City, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Orchestra of Ukraine, the Kharkiv Philharmonic Orchestra, the Kyiv National Philharmonic Orchestra, the Carlo Coccia Symphony Orchestra, the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra and others. In 2016, Artem performed a solo recital at the New York Carnegie Hall.
Susanne Szambelan, cello. “Flawless intonation, fine mastery of colors and dynamics, nobility of the tone and intimacy of expression unites ” : with those words, Pizzicato Magazine describes Susanne ’ s debut album which she released in 2013 for the Polish label DUX, featuring Dvořák' s Cello Concerto. Polish cellist Susanne Szambelan was born in New York in 1993 and grew up in Poznan, Poland. At the age of 15 she made her debut with the Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra. This led to numerous solo performances throughout Europe. In 2014 Susanne moved to Berlin, where she completed her Bachelor ' s and Master ' s degrees at the Hochschule für Musik "Hanns Eisler " with Prof. Stephan Forck and Prof. Claudio Bohorquez. Her deep passion for chamber music led to collaborations with Daniel Hope, Boris Brovtsyn Noah Bendix-Balgley, Vogler Quartett, and frequent performances with the Karajan Academy of the Berlin Philharmonic. Susanne has performed at festivals such as the Krzyżowa- Music, Zermatt, and Santander Festivals. In the season 2021/24 Susanne is the scholarship holder of Villa Musica Rheinland-Pfalz. Her solo and chamber music performances were broadcast on ARTE Concert and Radio Deutschlandfunk Kultur. Plays a cello by Jean- Baptiste Vuillaume. Susanne is now based out of Berlin.
Birch is a deciduous tree belonging to the Betula genus, commonly found in temperate climates across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. It is known for its distinctive white or silver bark that peels off in thin layers, giving the tree its characteristic appearance. Birch has long been associated with renewal and purification in various cultures. Its bark contains natural oils with a pleasant, slightly sweet and wintergreen-like scent, often used in traditional crafts, medicines, and for burning as incense. Birch wood is lightweight yet strong, commonly used for making furniture, tools, and even paper. In herbal medicine, birch leaves and sap are known for their anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and detoxifying properties, often used in teas and treatments for joint pain or skin conditions. The tree symbolizes growth, adaptability, and resilience, making it a beloved figure in both folklore and modern culture.
Nard, also known as spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi), is a flowering plant native to the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and China. It has been prized for thousands of years for its fragrant essential oil, which is extracted from the roots and rhizomes of the plant. Nard has a strong, earthy, and musky aroma with sweet, woody undertones, making it a popular ingredient in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicinal preparations. In ancient times, nard was considered highly valuable and was often used in religious ceremonies, particularly in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. It is frequently mentioned in historical texts, including the Bible, where it was used for anointing and as a symbol of luxury and devotion. Nard also has medicinal uses and is known for its calming and soothing effects. It has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Tibetan medicine to relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia, as well as to treat digestive and skin ailments. Its spiritual and therapeutic properties make it a revered plant in many cultures.
Incense of Music 57 - Anissegos, Bacikin
A 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.
(Deutsch) Incense of Music 56/ Filippou, Lucaciu
Incense of Music Nr. 54
A multisensorial concert- Friday, 7th September 2024, 8 p.m.
Evi Filippou: vibraphone; Robert Lucaciu: double bass – Fabio Dondero (Incense burning): frankincense from Somalia and Oman
PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
We are thrilled to announce a unique and immersive concert experience featuring the exceptional talents of Evi Filippou on vibraphone and Robert Lucaciu on double bass. This special event will be enhanced by the evocative fragrances of frankincense from Somalia and Oman, creating an exquisite multisensory journey. This event is not recommended for people who are sensitive to smoke.
Incense appeals on the most neglected sense of modern times, the olfactory. It effects the human spirit, influences it’s perception, opens new experiences. These qualities suggest to combine this ancient art, present in any culture, with music in a synesthetic project between listening and smelling, enhancing the experience. 54 concerts, 91 musicians, 13 locations, wood, resin, barks, roots, leaves and flowers from 65 different plants. Until now. Smelling and hearing by their very nature adjust the concrete place of receptive aesthetics into the sensual center of the scene, the human being.
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.
The dynamic collaboration between the Greek vibraphonist and the German-Romanian double bass player has birthed an artistic partnership that defies the constraints of rigid genre categorizations. Their musical journey is an exploration that draws sustenance from a myriad of sources, ranging from the intricate compositions of 20th and 21st-century classical music to the spirited rhythms of jazz and the evocative tales woven within folklore traditions. This union of sonic exploration transcends the limits of predefined labels, for the essence of their work lies in the realm of boundless creativity.
The intertwining of their unique backgrounds results in an exquisite tapestry of sound, where the vibrancy of balkan heritage converges with the cosmopolitan influence of contemporary european musical landscapes. Like a delicate thread of free improvisation, their performances unfold in an unscripted dance that mirrors the flow of life itself. In this tapestry, notes cascade like rivulets of emotion, merging and diverging, encapsulating moments of sorrow, joy, and the indefinable spaces in between.
The duo's exploration resonates with a shared pursuit of personal expression. In a world colored by their diverse influences, they craft an auditory experience that is both timeless and contemporary—a testament to the way musical traditions and innovations intermingle at the rhythmic core of human experience.
Incense of Music 55 - Rondo Projects Edition Berlin No. 2
Incense of Music Nr. 55
A multisensory concert – Friday, 24th May 2024, 8 pm.
PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei,
Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
In its 55th concert Incense of Music is presenting a musical project by Iranian musicians and their international collaborators. “Rondo Projects takes its name as a testament to a series of collaborative musical endeavors initiated by Ehsan Sadigh, an accomplished composer and guitarist, and Mazyar Younesi, a versatile composer and pianist. Together with the multifaceted percussionist Roshanak Rafani, they embarked on their musical journey in October 2023 in Berlin. Fostering a culture of continuous evolution, each edition of Rondo Projects sees the trio collaborating with diverse musicians and instrumentalists. The inaugural edition featured collaborations with Niki Yaghmaee, a skilled viola player, and Golsana Shenasaei, an adept cello player. In their upcoming Edition Berlin No. 2, the band will meet Ruben Staub, an aspiring Clarinet and Bass Clarinet payer. The music of Rondo Projects is the reflection of the lived musical experience of its members. The group places a significant emphasis on improvisation within the process of composition and on the stage, providing a platform for the musicians to stretch their creativity and explore new dimensions.”
Piano, Voice: Mazyar Younesi
Percussion: Roshanak Rafani
Viola: Niki Yaghmaee
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet: Ruben Staub
Mastic, also known as mastiha or mastix, is a resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). It has been used for various purposes throughout history, including as a chewing gum, a flavoring agent in cooking, and notably as an incense. When used as incense, mastic resin emits a sweet, woody fragrance with subtle hints of pine and citrus. This aroma is often described as refreshing and uplifting, making it popular for use in religious ceremonies, meditation practices, and aromatherapy. In addition to its pleasant scent, mastic incense is believed to have various therapeutic properties. It has been traditionally used to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and enhance focus and concentration. Some cultures also associate mastic incense with purification and spiritual cleansing rituals.
Galbanum is a resin obtained from the Ferula galbaniflua plant, native to the Middle East and regions around the Mediterranean. It has been used for centuries as incense due to its distinctive aroma and therapeutic properties. When burned as incense, galbanum emits a complex, green, and earthy fragrance with hints of balsamic sweetness. In ancient times, it was prized for its purported healing properties and was believed to have purifying and balancing effects on the mind and body. Overall, galbanum incense offers a rich and complex fragrance that can enhance various rituals and therapeutic experiences, providing a connection to nature and a sense of tranquility and well-being.
Ehsan Sadigh, 1980, Iran An accomplished Montreal-based artist specializing in guitar and composition, Ehsan Sadigh is a well-established composer, renowned for his contributions to film scores and ensemble performances. With numerous accolades for his musical scores both in Iran and abroad, Ehsan is the founder and leader of the Quartet Diminished, a contemporary jazz band with three albums published by Hermes Records. Collaborating with esteemed musicians like Colin Bass, Tony Levin, and Markus Reuter, their upcoming album, set for release by MoonJune Records in 2024, attests to Ehsan's continuous commitment to musical excellence. As an individual composer and performer, he has collaborated on various albums, including "AX" published by Discordian Records, where he worked alongside Vasco Trilla, a Spanish drummer, and the Barcelona-based saxophonist Liba Villavecchia.
Mazyar Younesi, 1983, Iran A Tehran-based versatile musician engaged in various musical activities, including composition, conducting, piano performance, and countertenor singing. He is a successful composer recognized for his involvement in orchestral and ensemble projects, as well as for his contributions to film and animation scores, which have garnered him several awards. Mazyar possesses a background in Iranian music, demonstrating proficiency with instruments such as Tombak and Setar. Additionally, his academic knowledge spans piano performance and composition. Since 2016, he has held the role of music director and conductor for the Austro-Iranian Symphony Orchestra (AISO). In the realm of contemporary jazz music, Mazyar serves as the composer and pianist for the Quartet Diminished. He has been showcased at the Show of Hands Festival in Iran and Turkey for the years 2017, 2018, and 2023.
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.
Incense of Music Nr. 54/ Hayden Chisholm Quartet
Incense of Music Nr. 54
A multisensorial concert- Friday, 17th May 2024, 8 p.m.
PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei,
Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
Hayden Chisholm, a masterful saxophonist and composer, brings a unique blend of influences to his music, transcending traditional boundaries to create an immersive sonic experience. Drawing inspiration from jazz, classical, folk, and world music traditions, Chisholm's compositions are marked by their depth, emotional resonance, and exquisite craftsmanship. As the protagonist of the 54th concert of the "Incense of Music" series, Chisholm and his quartet promise an evening of musical enchantment like no other. Picture yourself enveloped in a tapestry of rich harmonies, intricate melodies, and soul-stirring rhythms, all woven together with Chisholm's signature style and virtuosity. But the experience doesn't stop there. Just as music has the power to transport us to different realms, so too does scent. Imagine the air infused with fragrances carefully chosen to complement the music, enhancing every note and chord with an extra layer of sensory delight. From the earthy warmth of myrrh to the sweet freshness of rosebay, each scent harmonizes with the music to create a truly multisensory experience. So come, let yourself be carried away on a journey of sound and scent, as Hayden Chisholm and his quartet lead you through an evening of great sounds and beautiful fragrances. It's a concert you won't want to miss, a celebration of music and sensory wonder that will leave you spellbound long after the final note has faded away. For guests who are particularly sensitive to smoke,this event is not recommended.
Myrrh is a resin derived from the Commiphora myrrha tree, native to regions of Africa and the Middle East. It has been used for thousands of years as incense, prized for its rich fragrance and various therapeutic properties. When burned as incense, myrrh releases a complex aroma that is both earthy and slightly sweet, with resinous undertones. The scent is often described as warm, spicy, and balsamic, with hints of wood and citrus. Myrrh incense has a long history of use in religious and spiritual ceremonies, as well as in traditional medicine and aromatherapy. In religious rituals, myrrh incense is often associated with purification, prayer, and meditation. It is believed to have a grounding and calming effect on the mind and spirit, helping to create a sacred atmosphere for worship and contemplation. Overall, myrrh incense offers a deep and complex fragrance that can evoke a sense of reverence, tranquility, and connection to the divine. Its rich history and therapeutic benefits make it a popular choice for use in various rituals and spiritual practices.
Rosebay, also known as rhododendron, is a flowering plant belonging to the genus Rhododendron. When burned as incense, rosebay emits a subtle yet enchanting fragrance that is floral, sweet, and slightly spicy. The aroma is reminiscent of fresh blossoms in a garden, with delicate undertones that evoke a sense of tranquility and beauty. In some cultural traditions, rosebay incense may be used for ceremonial purposes, such as in rituals celebrating the beauty of nature or invoking feelings of love and affection. Its aromatic properties may also be associated with purification and spiritual renewal, creating an atmosphere of purity and reverence. While rosebay may not be as commonly used as other types of incense, its unique fragrance and potential symbolic significance make it a captivating choice for those seeking to incorporate the beauty of nature into their spiritual practices.
Incense of Music Nr. 53 - Nebbia, Parkins
Incense of Music Nr. 53
A multisensorial concert- Friday, 9th February 2023, 8 p.m.
Incense of Music is back with a highly experimental concert by a trio with Camila Nebbia, Andrea Parkins and a surprise guest.
Camila Nebbia: tenor saxophone
Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
Andrea Parkins
Born: Pittsburgh, USA Lives: Berlin www.andreaparkins.com
Andrea Parkins is an electroacoustic musician, composer, and sound artist who engages with interactive electronics as compositional/performative process. Working with an array of sonic materials – electronically processed accordion, custom-built software, amplified objects, and electronic feedback – her performances and installations explore connections and slippages between the body, materiality, sound, site, and space.
Parkins’ projects include multi-channel sound performances and intermedia installations, electroacoustic solo and ensemble compositions; and sound for contemporary dance, experimental film and intermedia performance. She performs as a solo artist, and has collaborated with artists such as Ute Wassermann, Magda Mayas, George E. Lewis, Nels Cline, The Necks, choreographer Vera Mantero, and filmmaker Abigail Child, among others. Her performances and installations have been presented at venues such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, Café Oto, The Kitchen, Experimental Intermedia (NYC), Kunsthalle Basel, and Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain, Strasbourg. Festival appearances have included NEXT/Bratislava, Cyberfest/St. Petersburg, All Ears/Oslo, Jazz im Augusto/Lisbon, Music Unlimited/Wels, and many more.
Parkins’ recent projects include The Stray II, a site-responsive 8-channel spatial audio and visual installation that was featured at Momentum 12/The Nordic Biennale at Galleri F15 in Moss, Norway; her intermedia installation, Sonic Spaces for the Stray, presented in 2021 at ROM for kunst og arkitektur in Oslo; and her performance/installation, Two Rooms, Variation 1, for 40 loudspeakers and Solo Performer, premiered in 2016 at Akousma Festival in Montreal.
Andrea Parkins has been an invited resident artist at Rauschenberg Residency in Captiva, Florida; Elektronmusikstudion (EMS), Stockholm; Harvestworks Digital Media Arts Center (NYC); and by Frei und Hanseastadt Hamburg Kulturbehoerde. Her recordings are published by Important Records, Infrequent Seams, Confront Recordings, Atavistic, Henceforth Records and Creative Sources; and she can be heard as a contributor on numerous other labels. In 2022-2023, she is a fellow of the Berliner Förderprogramm Künstlerische Forschung / Berlin Artistic Research Grant Programme.
Recent Press:
“Sounding Objects: Andrea Parkins Interviewed by Lea Bertucci: Expanding Notions of Composition” Bomb Magazine (6 May 2022). https://bombmagazine.org/articles/andrea- parkins-interviewed/
“11+3 Interview with Andrea Parkins.” Digital in Berlin (August 2020,) https://www.digitalinberlin.de/andrea-parkins
Camila Nebbia
Camila Nebbia is a saxophone player, composer, improviser, visual artist, curator and educator debasing hierarchical systems by exploring counterpoints of migrational longing through multiple, but minimally separated, mediums. From Buenos Aires, Argentina, based in Berlin, Germany, the multidisciplinary artist layers her practice through the creation and destruction of archival memory.
Has released as a band leader and solo performer “A veces la luz de lo que existe resplandece solamente a la distancia” (Kuai 2017), “De este lado” (Club del disco 2019), Aura (ears&eyes records 2020),“Corre el río de la memoria” (ramble records 2021) and “Presencias” (Sound Holes 2021) “Una ofrenda a la ausencia” (Relative Pitch Records 2023).
Played and recorded with many artists of the international scene such as Valentin Garvie, El devenir del río, Burka, Paula Shocron, Barbara Togander, Patrick Shiroishi, Paul Pignon, Vinnie Sperrazza, Katt Hernandez, Kenneth Jimenez, Lesley Mok, Violeta García, Axel Filip, Susana Santos Silva, Tom Rainey, Elsa Bergman, l’ Arfi collective of Lyon, Joanna Mattrey, Micheal Formaneck, Vincent Dromowski’s Flow regulator, Sofia Borges, John Hughes, among others.
Co-creator and curator of the collective interdisciplinary group and improvised music series “La Jaula se ha vuelto pájaro y se ha volado”, the interdisciplinary festival “Guillotina Fest'' and creator and curator of the streaming concert series called “The warmth of proximity” and “A door in the mountain”. Runs the concert series and independent label “Disfigured Rivers” based in Berlin.
Participated of many festivals around the world such as Winter Jazz Fest NYC co-presented with M3 (U.S), Buenos Aires Jazz Festival (ARG), Lima Jazz Festival (PE), Diskurs Festival (DE), Ultima Oslo (NO), Saalfelden Jazz Festival (AT), among others, and has assisted to several residencies such as, ART OMI (NYC), SIM (NYC) Jazz & Creative Music dictated by Tyshawn Sorey and Vijay Iyer (CA), Konvent Zero (ES) UNCOOL (CH), Ensemble Evolution (US), CirkusVranen (SE), CCK with Tim Berne, Marilyn Crispell & Ben Goldberg (AR), among others.
Studied classical saxophone at the Conservatory "Astor Piazzolla", jazz at the "Manuel de Falla" Conservatory, Film Direction at the Universidad Del Cine, and the master degree program “CoPeCo Contemporary Performance and Composition at Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in Estonia, Royal College of Music in Stockholm in Sweden, National Superior Conservatory of Music Dance of Lyon in France and Hamburg University of Music and Theatre in Germany. Was part of the second cohort of Mutual Mentorship for Musicians M3 created by Jen Shyu & Sara Serpa 2021, and was a curatorial fellow at the Experimental Sound Studio of Chicago 2022. Camila Nebbia is endorsed by D’Addario Woodwinds.
Incense of Music Nr. 52 - Shilkloper, Minami
Incense of Music Nr. 52
A multisensory concert – Saturday, 27. November 2021, 6 p.m.
Arkady Shilkloper: French horn, didgeridoo; Kenji Minami: drums – Fabio Dondero (Incense burning): White sage
Due to the corona problematic, Incense of Music is proposing in this difficult times concerts of rather private nature via stream. Kenji Minami, drummer from Japan, met the Russian horn virtuoso Arkady Shilkloper for a improvised jam session. We prepared the room with White sage.
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Incense of Music 51, Rafalimanana: Debussy
Incense of Music Nr. 51
A multisensorial concert – Saturday, 26th June 2021, 8 p.m.
Yannick Rafalimanana, piano – Fabio Dondero and Dominik Breider (Incense burning): Palo Santo
For this event it is my pleasure to introduce my co-host: "Incense of Music" project based in Berlin.
Incense appeals to one of the most neglected senses in our modern times-the olfactory. It affects the human spirit, influences our perception, 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. Incense, that has been a part of many cultures for centuries, certainly elevates and enhances any human experience.
I have been working with the "Incense of Music" team on live performances in the past, but you are invited to join our very first digital collaboration.
For this special occasion I selected Piano works by Debussy, the ever so inspiring impressionist masterpieces that will take you to the most remote corners of the world, awaken your imagination and create a fantastical and immersive world for you to enjoy at home.
I will be performing on a Historical 1896 Bechstein Piano.
Incense of Music 49 - Dhalgren in Duo STREAMING
Incense of Music Nr. 49
A multisensorial concert- Friday, 30th May 2020, 8 p.m.
Chris Dahlgren: vocals, guitar, viola da gamba, composition; Evi Filippou: voice, vibraphone, drums – Fabio Dondero and Dominik Breider (Incense burning): n.a.
STREAMING from PANDA Theater in der Kulturbrauerei,
Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
Incense of Music 48 - Chisholm, Tschabaschwili
Incense of Music Nr. 48
A multisensorial concert – Thursday, 5th March 2020, 8 p.m.
Hayden Chisholm, saxophone. Meri Tschabaschwili, piano – Fabio Dondero and Dominik Breider (Incense burning): eucalyptus and lemongrass.
PANDA Theater in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
Incense of Music 47 - Joolaee, Uskov
A multisensorial concert – Saturday, 8th February 2020, 8 p.m.
Misagh Joolaee, kamancheh . Viktor Maximov, guitar . – Fabio Dondero and Dominik Breider (Incense burning): n.a.
PANDA Theater in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berli
Incense of Music 46 - Faber, Sawada, Strasfogel, Notte / Rajab
A multisensorial concert – Friday, 24th January 2020, 8 p.m.
First set:
Maja Ratkje (1973): „to F" (for cello solo, 2011); Synne Skouen (1950): "... a travers les paroles (for violin solo", 2007); Cecilie Ore: "Lex temporis" (for string quartet, 1992); Jane Birkin (1948): „Lost Song“, after Peer Gynt Suite nr. 2, op. 55 in an arrangement by Serge Gainsbourg and Grégoire Simon
Anna Faber, violin; Mari Sawada, violin; Daniella Strasfogel, viola; Sophie Notte, cello
Second set:
Ziad Rajab, oud and voice
Fabio Dondero and Dominik Breider (Incense burning): cypress/ orange and frankincense/ myrtle
PANDA Theater in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 BerlinRead more
Incense of Music 45 - card castle trio
A multisensorial concert- Thursday, 12th December 2019, 8 p.m.
card castle trio, Antonis Anissegos, piano . Mike Majkowski, bass . Christian Marien, drums – Fabio Dondero and Dominik Breider (Incense burning): Grapefruit and RosemaryRead more
Incense of Music 44 - Voutchkova, Zerang
A multisensorial concert- Tuesday, 10th December 2019, 8 p.m.
Biliana Voutchkova, violin . Michael Zerang, percussions – Fabio Dondero and Dominik Breider (Incense burning): n.a.
After their first performance in Chicago in 2016 the duo has played at a number of occasions and recorded their first album which will be released in 2020. Using reduced vocabulary in a highly unusual and original manner the duo creates an intimate world of symbiotic sound.
Studio Rainer Spehl, Brunnenstrasse 152, 2. Hinterhof
10115 Berlin, Germany