CD Release: Sara Filipova & Koehne Quartet “Merge”

On the new album “Merge,” the musical worlds of Sara Filipova and the Koehne Quartet merge in an unusual way. While the quartet performs compositions by Joanna Lewis, Thomas Pernes, Hannes Raffaseder, Peter Androsch, and Michael Radanovics, Sara Filipova simultaneously presents her own songs. The concept was conceived by Karl Ritter, who selected the pieces from the artists’ extensive repertoire. The fusion of contemporary music and Sara Filipova’s songs can also be experienced live at Porgy & Bess—inspiring, captivating, and spellbinding the audience.

The Koehne Quartet, consisting of four outstanding musicians, embodies the highest artistic excellence in the world of chamber music. With their virtuoso interpretations and sensitive ensemble playing, the quartet captivates audiences on international stages. Known for its broad repertoire and innovative approach to classical and contemporary works, the Koehne Quartet is a fixture on the music scene and continually sets new standards for chamber music perfection.

Sara Filipova’s music draws on her diverse experience with R&B, pop, jazz, and classical music, but at its core, it is closer to pioneering singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell or Paul Simon. In addition to numerous performances in Austria, she performs on international stages—her first solo tour took her from Europe to the Wilson Abbey Theatre in Chicago. She presented her debut EP, “Black and White Café,” on Bulgarian television in March 2019. She also attracted attention with her single “Alone Together,” which was played on the Austrian radio stations FM4 and Ö1. From 2020 to 2023, she curated the event series “0816 Acoustic,” which established itself as a fixture in the local singer-songwriter scene. Over the past two years, Sara Filipova has performed on stage with Wayne Horvitz’s Electric Circus, founded the sample free jazz duo “Fudge Summer” with drummer Max Plattner, and collaborated with the Koehne Quartet on the realization of Karl Ritter’s “Merge.”