HOLLAND FESTIVAL & BIMHUIS TV Present: SOFIA JERNBERG – EROICA

Vocal wonder performs commissioned project with rhythmic, complex ingredients and finds inspiration with Beethoven’s symphonic work and Basquiat’s art.

Sofia Jernberg vocals, Kjetil Møster saxophone, Kit Downes piano, Petter Eldh double bass

Swedish singer Sofia Jernberg curated a concert, using the painting Eroica I by American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat as a source of inspiration. Basquiat derived the title from Beethoven’s third symphony, also known as Eroica. Jernberg has a love-hate relationship with Beethoven and his heritage. She sees Basquiat’s painting as an explosive, immediate reaction that touches the core of improvisation and composition at the same time.

Sofia Jernberg is more than just a singer. Her voice is her instrument and is tied to both the classical tradition and the jazz-avant-garde. At the same time, the language and culture of her native Ethiopia can be traced in her improvisations. For this concert she put together an ensemble with three improvising masters. With bassist Petter Eldh she plays in Koma Saxo. With saxophonist Kjetil Møster she recently took part in the group The End with Mats Gustafsson. And with pianist Kit Downes she already formed a succesful duo. Jernberg previously appeared at the Holland Festival with Marlene Monteiro Freitas’ Pierrot Lunaire, and at the BIMHUIS with Petter Eldh in Koma Saxo. Now she is back by joint invitation.

‘I imagine a lyrical and transparent sound, without drums, with rhythmically complex ingredients, were intricate musicianship and craftsmanship is essential.’

— Sofia Jernberg