Unique, globally influential cross between big band and chamber orchestra, spurred on by Holland’s most adventurous drummer Han Bennink. ‘Supremely gifted performers; this is fabulous music’ (London Jazz News).

The ICP Orchestra is a unique phenomenon in the world, a cross between a big band and a chamber orchestra in which brass and string players improvise on the cutting edge. Instant Composers Pool was founded in 1967 by Han Bennink and Misha Mengelberg and has developed into a versatile orchestra, connecting American swing to European music, avant-garde and a healthy dose of absurdism.

The ICP Orchestra is not only legendary in the Netherlands, as was confirmed by reviews during the most recent international tour. ‘This is fabulous music’, cheered London Jazz News in reaction to a recent concert, and The Guardian spoke of ‘a miniature lesson on the evolution of European jazz-influenced improvisation.’ New York Times: ‘They are brilliant soloists, scholars and physical comedians, critics and joy-spreaders.’

The ICP repertory consists for an important part of compositions by pianist Misha Mengelberg. Inspired by Duke Ellington he has selected musicians with very different backgrounds and styles. Current pianist is Guus Janssen, who can also be heard as an organ player and composer on the recent ICP album East of the Sun. The group is spurred on by drummer Han Bennink, known for his extravert way of playing.

‘Dada humour everywhere threatens to infiltrate the sawing strings, riffing horns and leapfrog rhythms; the group’s stock-in-trade is to confound expectations by distorting the familiar and carousing with the irrational. Wear a safety helmet while listening’ (The Wire).

The Bimhuis restaurant
is open prior to the concert from 6.30 till 8.30PM (reservations via
020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free
entrance).

Follow LIVE STREAM BIMHUIS RADIO: Click the link below on
the evening of the concert, starting at 8PM:

SPECIAL GUEST: MATTIJS VAN DE WOERD
AFTERWARDS DJ DJAZZLEX AT THE CAFE
Michael Moore altsax/klarinet, Ab Baars, Tobias Delius tenorsax/klarinet, Thomas Heberer trompet, Wolter Wierbos trombone, Guus Janssen piano, Mary Oliver (alt)viool, Tristan Honsinger cello, Ernst Glerum bas, Han Bennink drums. Speciale gast: Mattijs van de Woerd zang