They met at a jazz festival and spontaneously decided to start a duo: Greek composer and pianist Tania Giannouli and Swiss master improviser Nik Bärtsch. What they recognized in each other: a fearless spirit of adventure, an intuitive sense of robust musical architecture, and an antenna for sonic beauty. They make their Amsterdam debut with a set full of rhythmic drive and hypnotic lyricism.

Since meeting in 2022, Bärtsch and Giannouli have made a big impression as a duo on various international stages. Bärtsch, also known for his ‘zen funk quartet’ RONIN, draws on diverse sources, from James Brown and minimal to Eastern martial arts and meditation. Giannouli received a classical education, but chooses to use all her technical and theoretical knowledge for creation in the moment. Together, they create music like a building with different rooms that you would want to live in.

From April 16 – 19, the ninth edition of Minimal Music Festival will take place in Muziekgebouw and BIMHUIS. The festival explores music as a physical, transcendental experience. What inspired pioneers like La Monte Young, Terry Riley and Steve Reich resonates in the wealth of sounds and styles of adventurous makers.

Nik Bärtsch piano, Tania Giannouli piano