Trotzdem: Bex Burch & Johannes Schleiermacher + Damian Dalla Torre

In the organizer's words:

TROTZDEM is a new concert series for jazz, improvisation and experimental music. The focus is on formats that develop a calm, atmospheric density and create an intimate space. For each evening, two to three live acts are invited to perform in the space in different ways - not just frontally on stage, but from different perspectives and in changing arrangements. This creates new listening situations between proximity, movement and sonic openness. Nevertheless, it is an invitation to consciously engage with irritation, friction and new perspectives.

Bex Burch & Johannes Schleiermacher: KORG notes 001 album launch

[Celebrating the release of notes 001, a striking and original piece written in four-parts and performed solo in one live take by Bex Burch on phase8, KORG's new eight-voice acoustic synthesizer. A record that embraces uncertainty, co-creation and the potential for music to connect in deep, unexpected and intuitive ways.

For this special live event, Bex is joined by Johannes Schleiermacher to form a joyful new duo, rooted in friendship and love of rhythmic sound play. The set travels between lilting poly-rhythmic interplay, twinkling percussion, modular synth and KORG's phase8 weaving in and out of one another with the controlled and chaotic fluidity of running water. Rooted in rhythmic repetitions, and exploring the relationship between acoustic instruments and machine to reveal the timbral and dynamic range of the sequencer and pushing it to its limits and blurring the edges between the inherently rigidity of machine time and Schleiermacher and Burch's intuitive musicality.

[Johannes and Bex form a joyful new duo, rooted in their friendship and shared love of rhythmic sound play. Their set moves between swaying poly-rhythmic interplay, sparkling percussion, modular synthesizers and KORG Berlin's phase8, and Burch's fleeting vocal refrains. The elements weave together and separate again - with the controlled and chaotic fluidity of flowing water. Anchored in rhythmic repetition, they explore the relationship between acoustic instruments and machine. In doing so, they make the tonal and dynamic possibilities of the sequencer audible, pushing it to its limits and blurring the transitions between the inherent rigidity of machine time and the intuitive musicality of Schleiermacher and Burch.

Damian Dalla Torre

Damian Dalla Torre is an Italian-born saxophonist, composer and producer based in Leipzig, Germany. His work explores the intersection of contemporary jazz, ambient music and experimental pop, combining acoustic instrumentation with subtle electronic processing and textural composition. His album I Can Feel My Dreams (Squama Recordings, 2024) was named Best Contemporary Album of 2024 by The Guardian, marking a significant milestone in his artistic development and international recognition. His music focuses on atmosphere, emotional depth and sonic detail, positioning him among a new generation of artists working between jazz, electronic music and contemporary composition. In addition to his solo work, Damian Dalla Torre has collaborated with internationally recognized artists including Efterklang, Enji, Tristan Brusch and Crucchi Gang, and has performed extensively throughout Europe, the United States and Japan. As a composer, he has created music for theater productions at institutions including Berliner Ensemble, Schauspiel Hannover and Konzert und Theater St. Gallen. His artistic work spans album productions, live performances, commissioned compositions and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Line-Up:
Damian Dalla Torre: Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinet, Electronics
Laura Zöschg: Vocals, Flute