Folkwang jazz night: Experience the best of jazz on June 7th!

Folkwang jazz night: Experience the best of jazz on June 7th!

On Saturday, June 7th, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., the Folkwang Jazz night will take place in the new auditorium on the Essen-Werden campus. This event, which is offered with an admission price of 7 euros (reduced 5 euros) for students and free admission for pupils with school ID, promises a multimedia concert experience. The Folkwang University from the arts will come up with a varied program that evening that includes classic jazz arrangements and modern interpretations. Folkwang reports that the hard bop-ensemble of Professor Martin Sasse will be presented, which will present the works by Art Blake and the Jazz Messens.

Another highlight of the evening will be the Thelonious Monk ensemble under the direction of Sebastian Gille, the fresh arrangements of the forgotten works will be presented by one of the greatest jazz pianists in history. Thelonious Sphere Monk, born on October 10, 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, was a key figure of modern jazz and formative for the Bebop. Mitchell was known for his unique percussive piano style and the use of unexpected dissonances. It is celebrated for compositions such as "Round Midnight", "Blue Monk" and "Well, You Needn’t" that are jazz standards today. wikipedia informed that Monk, who moved to New York City to develop his musical skills, already started to manage his own band.

various ensembles and innovative performances

On the Folkwang Jazz night, the fusion ensemble under the direction of Frank Sichmann, which will inspire the audience with energetic classics, will also be heard. The appearance of the flutist Maria Mendoza will additionally enrich the repertoire. In addition, the piano trio Knud, consisting of Jona Hahn on the piano, Kevin Hemkemeier on the double bass and Jonathan Schierhorn on the drums, whose debut album is celebrated in a big band version, will accompany the evening. Knud is accompanied by the conductor Carla Köllner.

Monk's career was not only characterized by creative work, but also by challenges in the music business. Despite his groundbreaking albums, such as "Brilliant Corners", which gave him broad recognition in the 1950s, he also experienced setbacks, including the loss of his New York Cabaret Card, which restricted his performance opportunities. Nevertheless, until his death on February 17, 1982, Monk remained an influential musician, whose style and compositions continue to inspire many generations of jazz musicians. Biography Host stated that Monks influence can still be felt in the jazz scene and that he was posthumously included in the Grammy Hall of Fame.