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Isole che Parlano - Festival Internazionale

Sanem Kalfa/George Dumitriu Duo

Turchia/Romania/NL

Luogosanto, Palazzo di Baldu

domenica 1 settembre 2024

h. 18,30

Sanem Kalfa e George Dumitriu Duo

Aspettando Isole che Parlano “Ai Giganti”

— Sanem Kalfa, vocals, electronics
— George Dumitriu, guitar, viola, electronics

Il duo propone un set avvincente in cui le canzoni di vari ambiti stilistici, accompagnate dalla viola o dalla chitarra elettrica, sono rilette e destrutturate. L’improvvisazione tesse la narrazione tra i brani e crea un’ambientazione in cui confluiscono stili e generi che spaziano dalla bossa nova alla musica mediorientale.

Sanem Kalfa & George Dumitriu are poised to embark on the creation of their second musical opus, slated for an autumn 2024 release. This dynamic duo has etched an indelible mark on the European music landscape, celebrated for their idiosyncratic sonic tapestries and their unwavering commitment to unfettered interpretation and spontaneous improvisation within their compositions.

Their musical odyssey traverses a vast spectrum of influences, encompassing the rhythmic allure of Brazilian melodies, the soulful resonance of Turkish and Romanian traditional motifs, the transcendental vistas of post-rock, and the avant-garde realms of contemporary jazz. With a diverse instrumental palette that includes electronica, ethereal vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and the haunting strains of the viola, they weave elegantly simplistic yet profoundly resonant melodies.

The world received a tantalizing glimpse of their latest auditory voyage during the North Sea Round Town Festival on July 2nd, 2023, where they unveiled their nascent musical endeavor. The forthcoming album promises to be a testament to the power of musical brevity, encapsulating poignant and evocative themes that delve into the depths of human emotion. From the throes of disappointment to the fiery pangs of desire, from the abyss of loss to the shadows of fear, and onward to the embrace of acceptance, the balm of reconciliation, and the introspection of reflection—these themes shall be elegantly explored in their forthcoming musical exposition.

Witnessing Sanem Kalfa & George Dumitriu in their live performances is to embark on a transformative journey, where the boundaries of sonic exploration are pushed to unprecedented horizons, beckoning their enraptured audience to realms hitherto unimagined.

Evento realizzato con il contributo di Ambasciata e Consolato Generale del Regno dei Paesi Bassi

Sanem Kalfa

is a singer, improviser, composer, cello player based in Amsterdam. She was born in Trabzon, a city on the Black Sea coast of northeast Turkey. To Sanem, the Black Sea represents the call of green”, and people from this region are “full of humour and deeply dedicated to earth”. Sanem Kalfa is known for her broadly developed voice, her singing combination into a powerful blend of emotions. In her singing career she won several awards, including the 1st Prize Shure Montreux Jazz Vocal Competition presided by Quincy Jones. In 2014 she released her debut album “Nehir”. She released her second album “DANCE” as a duo with George Dumitriu in May 2018. Her last album with George Dumitriu and Joachim Badenhorst “Black Sea Songs” is by El Negocito Records in Jazz 2021.” She has taken parts in over 10 other releases as a side woman. She also performed in many important festivals and venues in the Netherlands and Europe. Recently she was commissioned as a composer and performer by Bimhuis and she has successfully delivered her assignment on march 4th 2022.

George Dumitriu

One the most renowned improvisers on his instruments, mentioned twice in the 16th Annual International Critics Poll under violin/viola next to Mark Feldman and Mat Maneri.

His recent solo album ‘Monk on Viola’ brought him multiple international reviews and often included on lists such as ‘best 40 albums of 2023’ ( Peter Margasak – alongside Ambrose Akinmusire, Owl Song , Kris Davis’ Diatom Ribbons, and many more), best 10 creative albums of 2023 (Karl Ackermann next to Sylvie Courvoisier and Steve Lehman, etc.), recommended new releases by The New York City Jazz Record, and reviews in Trouw, Jazzism, Citizen Jazz, All About Jazz, Salted Peanuts.

George Dumitriu is a poly-instrumentalist (viola, violin, guitar) performer and composer, internationally active in the fields of jazz, improvised music, contemporary classical and music theatre.

Dumitriu’s musical journey began with a classical training, which later grew new roots into jazz improvisation. He studied with important figures in the field, following a professional exploration which brought him from Bucharest to Groningen, Amsterdam, and New York. He collaborated with artists such as Ambrose Akinmusire, Kaja Draksler, Samora Pinderhughes, Otis Sandsjö, Michel Godard, Ab Baars, Joachim Badenhorst, Michael Moore, Thanasis Delighiannis.

His international career is characterised by collaborations with North Sea String Quartet, Tijn Wybenga & Brainteaser Orchestra, Sanem Kalfa as long time duo, Black Sea Songs, Eve Risser’s L’ensemble Ensemble, Kaja Draksler Octet, the National Opera & Ballet Amsterdam, For Real and more.

As leader of DUMItRIO, he released the albums Proverbe (TryTone 2017) and Future Nostalgia (FN 2014). He was commissioned by North Sea Round Town to form the project George Dumitriu Hazard Ensemble. He is featured as sideman on labels such as Clean Feed, Evil Rabbit, Zennez and Berthold Records.

George Dumitriu is teaching violin, viola and guitar at the Conservatory of Utrecht.

Previous 10 settembre: Saluto al mare Next Raffaele Matta Trio (Sardegna)

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