We are back! The Kiezsalon season begins with a 2-day happening featuring 4 concerts, including 4 premieres, at the historic Zionskirche between Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg. The church, inaugurated in 1873, was built on a 52-meter high vineyard, and is one of the highest points in Berlin. Its 67-meter tower offers impressive city views and its gardens are ideal for lingering before and after the concerts with a glass of wine — especially on a warm spring evening.
Friday starts with two Berlin premieres. Jason Sharp, saxophonist, electroacoustic composer and mainstay of Montreal’s avant-jazz and experimental music scene, will present his third album on the Constellation label.
Followed by Catalonian folk duo Tarta Relena, whose progressive and emotive take on Gregorian folk has been lauded by our friends at Pitchfork (“with little more than their two voices, Helena Ros and Marta Torrella connect the far corners of the Mediterranean”); check out their great performance at Eurosonic 2021.
On Saturday, one of our all-time favourite musicians — much-loved by the editors at The Wire too — legendary British composer Richard Skelton will perform his poignant landscape-inspired works. Listen to his masterpiece The Complete Landings.
Alongside American percussionist and composer Booker Stardrum will close the night with his sculptural pieces carved from intricate layers of instruments, altered samples, and an intuitive approach to rhythm.
His music is a personal amalgamation of electro-acoustics, minimalism, ambient, jazz, and contemporary experimental electronic music that according to The Wire “further solidifies Stardrum’s position as one of America’s most intriguing composers.”
Throughout the last decade, Stardrum has collaborated, toured, and recorded with Horse Lords, Lee Ranaldo, Carl Stone, Weyes Blood amongst others.
The siting of the Zionskirche on a five-cornered plaza at the intersection of 3 streets was so important to architect August Orth that he opted not to build the choir in its usual position towards the east.
Kiezsalon opening w/ Richard Skelton, Tarta Relena, Jason Sharp and Booker Stardrum
Zionskirche | Zionskirchplatz in 10119 Berlin
Doors 19:00 | Start 20:00 CET
