Holland Festival: Eroica I - Sofia Jernberg, Kit Downes, Petter Eldh, Kjetil Møster

Eroica

The Swedish singer Sofia Jernberg put together a concert with the painting Eroica I by the American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat as a source of inspiration. Basquiat took the title from Beethoven's Third Symphony, also known as Eroica. Jernberg has a love-hate relationship with Beethoven and his heritage. She sees Basquiat's painting as an explosive, spontaneous reaction that touches the core of composition and improvisation.

Sofia Jernberg is more than a singer. Her voice is her instrument and shows a close bond with both the classical tradition and the jazz avant-garde. The language and culture of her native Ethiopia can also be found in her improvisations. She put together an ensemble for this concert with three masters of improvisation. She plays in Koma Saxo with bassist Petter Eldh. With saxophonist Kjetil Møster she was recently part of the group The End with Mats Gustafsson. And she has already formed a successful duo with pianist Kit Downes. Jernberg performed at the Holland Festival in 2021 in Pierrot Lunaire by Marlene Monteiro Freitas; the performance with Petter Eldh as Koma Saxo was a highlight in the BIMHUIS last concert season. Now she is back at the joint invitation of the Holland Festival and BIMHUIS productions.

'I imagine a lyrical and clear sound, without drums, with rhythmically complex ingredients, where precise musicianship is essential.'

—Sofia Jernberg