Georg Graewe and Sonic Fiction Orchestra

“Improvisation and composition are two ingredients that are closely intertwined. They are compositions, clearly notated passages that are starting points for very different sound images. Concepts and game sequences provide impulses that trigger improvisations. In this way, Graewe manages to offer the individual characters of his fellow musicians a platform and at the same time realize his own aesthetic ideas." - Nina Polaschegg, SWR

“The achievements of the 20th century are presented in crystal form, so to speak. Reflections and symmetries bring to mind Anton Webern. The next moment you imagine yourself near Canterbury, where the prog-jazzers Soft Machine are playing in the undergrowth. Everything is possible at Graewe, nothing seems arbitrary.” - Ronald Pohl, Der Standard

“Graewe has arrived at a musical model in which there is no demand for composed and improvised sections. As Pierre Boulez once remarked? “There is by nature no difference between the spontaneous and the learned... the impulse can stimulate reflection just as calculation can enliven the gesture.” And Graewe invents in this modality. It remains to be noted that with his Sonic Fiction Orchestra he has designed the most relevant large-format concept at the moment and can be counted among the inner circle of groundbreaking, contemporary jazz composers. You couldn’t recommend yourself better.” - Hannes Schweiger, Concerto

Program and cast

Georg Graewe: piano
Frank Gratkowski: clarinet, bass clarinet
Maria Gstättner: bassoon
Martin Siewert: guitars
Sara Kowal: harp
Joanna Lewis: violin
Laura Strobl: viola
Melissa Coleman: cello
Peter Herbert: bass
Valentin Duit: drums