With Looking Within, Brussels Jazz Orchestra wants to oppose today’s busy, hectic and digital society: together with accordionist Philippe Thuriot, the orchestra creates a repertoire that invites the audience to a contemplative experience.
New whisper-quiet yet powerful compositions are written by Bert Joris, who is familiar with the orchestra’s versatility and has worked with them before on projects like Smooth Shake (2016) and Signs and Signatures (2010). Looking Within brings the audience together in acoustic spaces such as churches, cathedrals and similar venues that match the unique power of this brand new repertoire. During a contemplative experience for both musician and audience, the usual orchestral set up is being questioned.
No stage in Aalst's OLV-Bijstandskerk Saturday night. The musicians had not taken up post at the altar, but rather in the side aisles, surrounding the audience who, sitting on the church chairs in the nave, were to witness a completely original concert by the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. Without piano, guitar or drums, but with accordionist Philippe Thuriot as a guest, in the premiere of Looking within, a programme of new compositions by Bert Joris that invite introspection.
- Peter De Backer, De Standaard.
Accordionist Philippe Thuriot has been performing on international stages for 30 years. During his multifaceted career, he stepped into the world of dance performance (with Alain Platel, for example), classical music (like improvisations on music by J.S. Bach), collaborated with large bands and ensembles (with WDR Bigband, Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen, a.o.) and joined forces with resounding names from the international jazz scene (like Maria Schneider and Ellery Eskelin).
Jazz trumpeter Bert Joris (°1957) has built a solid reputation as improvisor, composer, arranger and teacher. His work is performed by musicians all over the world. Joris received several awards and prizes for his work. Over the years, he and the BJO toured together from Sweden to the USA.
