Flat Earth Society: The Coltrane Mutations

Flat Earth Society Orchestra

The Flat Earth Society Orchestra (FES) harmoniously combines vibrant surrealism with polished skill, constantly pushing the boundaries of Belgian creativity. As a global representative of unique Belgian individuality, FES has left an unforgettable impression with performances around the world. Composer, reed player, producer, and bandleader Peter Vermeersch, together with pianist and composer Peter Vandenberghe, has created a unique 15-piece orchestra that ranks among the most prolific and exciting ensembles of its kind. With an extensive list of genre-crossing projects, including forays into silent and short films, theater, opera, and an extensive collection of albums, FES exemplifies the rare phenomenon of a constantly evolving orchestra that has shed its skin several times over the years and is at its best during live performances.

The Coltrane Mutations

In 2026, John Coltrane would have turned one hundred, and to celebrate this, FES pays tribute to this iconic musician. Coltrane has had a massive influence, both direct and indirect, on many generations of musicians, both within and outside of jazz. Coltrane's spirit permeated the eccentric and idiosyncratic universe of FES via all sorts of unfathomable musical paths and detours. This results in a tribute that is utterly unique, insightful, and fearless. Typically FES, in other words. Coltrane was a seeker and an innovator who repeatedly redefined jazz in form and sound. This searching, investigating, and exploring of new horizons is also what drives and fascinates FES. The Coltrane Mutations features FES's own arrangements and interpretations of a number of Coltrane classics, plus entirely new compositions infected by the Trane virus.