Re:Membrane // Bishop-Müller-Muche

Doppelkonzert

This special double concert will focus first on percussion and in the second set on trombones as well as two of the most versatile improvisers on the European jazz scene: trombonist Matthias Muche and master of the prepared snare drum Etienne Nillesen have a long-standing friendship and collaboration; for this evening they will present in their respective international projects and formations RE:MEMBRANE and Bishop-Müller-Muche how the boundaries between composition and improvisation are blurred by avant-garde and minimalist approaches.

RE:MEMBRANE is an exploration of the harmonic possibilities of percussion, where rhythm and tone merge into a resonant, ever-changing soundscape. Layers of overtones emerge from vibrating drumheads, revealing hidden melodies within the percussion. The result is a hypnotic dialog between the three percussionists - the Italian Riccardo La Foresta, Ingar Zach from Norway and the Cologne-based Etienne Nilessen - between texture, resonance and movement - the drums not only pulsate, they sing.

"Celebrate the trombone! The trio Bishop-Müller-Muche is just that: a celebration of the sound and possibilities of this instrument. Their music is an impressive testament to people who truly understand the trombone - an instrument that is captivating and surprising, technically challenging yet boundless, radical and deeply human." With these words, the American trumpeter Nate Wooley describes this extraordinary trio.
Since 2016, the trio consisting of Jeb Bishop, Matthias Müller and Matthias Muche has been exploring the sonic dimensions of the trombone beyond established structures. Their debut album Concert for Hannes, originally planned as a quartet with Johannes Bauer, was released in 2017 on the Polish label NotTwo. In 2022, the trio released the album From A to B on the renowned Jazzwerkstatt label. With two extensive European tours, they delighted audiences in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Slovenia, Sweden and Norway. Their first US tour followed in October 2023, starting at the Goethe Institute in Boston and taking them to Brooklyn, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee and Chicago. With their uncompromising sound language and innovative playing style, Bishop-Müller-Muche are setting new standards in contemporary improvisational music.

Biographies Re:Membrane
Riccardo La Foresta is a percussionist and sound artist from Modena. His work revolves around the drummophone, an aerophonic instrument derived from a drum that produces drones, melodies and rhythms beyond traditional percussion. He also develops sound sculptures, realizes site-specific performances and works as a curator for festivals and residencies in Modena.

The Norwegian percussionist Ingar Zach is known for his experimental use of the Gran Cassa. With the help of transducers and objects, he creates resonant soundscapes. He performs both as a soloist and with ensembles such as Dans les arbres and Huntsville, and his compositions have been commissioned by leading contemporary music ensembles.

Etienne Nillesen (NL) is a Cologne-based percussionist who explores the harmonic and melodic potential of the snare drum. Through precise tuning based on just intonation and extended playing techniques, he opens up new sonic possibilities. His minimalist approach combines composition and improvisation, focusing on resonance and the complexity of overtones.