As the poet laureate of Amsterdam (2019-2022), Gershwin Bonevacia found striking words for what was going on in the city. The same city that also inspires composer and arranger Konrad Koselleck, who aims to catch its atmosphere and sound with his big band. The two Amsterdammers share their love for the city, and for the music of two other Gershwins: composer George Gershwin and writer Ira Gershwin. A meeting through poetry, spoken word and grandiose sounds.
Poet, writer and performer Gershwin Bonevacia is known for his characteristic style of reciting poetry. His tempestuous rise as a poet was troubled by his dyslexia, but the struggle with language made him a resourceful wordsmith. He singlehandedly sold 6000 copies of his debut poetry collection, making it an underground classic.
The Konrad Koselleck Big Band is something else. Time and again band leader Koselleck finds adventurous combinations of jazz, cabaret, musical, pop, rock, funk, Latin and even classical music. The repertoire ranges from Brecht and Weill to Nina Hagen and Rammstein, plus many new works by contemporary composers.
This concert is made possible thanks to funding by the Amsterdamse Fonds voor de Kunst.
Gershwin Bonevacia poet/writer/performer, Konrad Koselleck compositions/arrangements/conductor, Werner Janssen, Floris van der Vlugt, Joao Driessen, Kees van Lier, Kees van Dooremalen saxophone, Oscar Cordero, Suzan Veneman, Ernesto Montenegro, Gerard Kleijn trumpet, Bastiaan Woltjer, Matthias Konrad, Vincent Veneman, Gregor Sperzel trombone, Jens Larsen guitar, Charly Zastrau piano, Mark Haanstra bass, Haye Jellema drums
