MENGELBERG & CO

The musical mental legacy of pianist/composer Misha Mengelberg has had a profound influence on many generations of improvisors around the world. Performances of his Instant Composers Pool Orchestra are internationally recognized as ‘state of the art’. ‘Few bands run a gamut as broad as Holland’s ICP Orchestra, and none have ICP’s capacity to sound equally convincing with free and traditional structure.’ (Boston Globe). ‘There is not another band on earth quite like this one.’ (Coda Toronto). His touring schedule reflects his reputation: he was invited to spend the first half of May in New York to do a daily performance at John Zorn’s new club the Stone. He shared the stage with George Lewis, Dave Douglas, Mark Feldman and, needless to say, Zorn himself. Back in hometown Amsterdam he is preparing for a new and unique project: a three day program revolving around his 70th birthday (on June 5th) with performances of the ICP Orchestra (with or without guest soloists) and many small ensembles. Cor Fuhler, Guus Janssen and Peter van Bergen are doing orchestra arrangements of their own compositions. Anthony Braxton (who turns 60 on June 4th!) will play in a quartet with Mengelberg, Bennink and Glerum and writer Remco Campert contributes text. Peter Brotzman will perform in a trio with Han and Misha, next to playing in a duo with Fuhler and will be guest soloist in the orchestra. The ICP will accompany the dancers of Magpie and play recent work as well as Mengelberg compositions from the past, arranged for the current setting by Michael Moore (June 5th) among which you will find ‘Met welbeleefde groet van de kameel’ (‘With kind compliments of the camel’, 1973) with a guest performance of Anthony Braxton.