British multi-instrumentalist Shabaka Hutchings is involved in the project as a composer. Together with OFFprojects choreographer Amos Ben-Tal, the two creators draw inspiration from the minimalism of Terry Riley and the pattern-based music of southern Uganda. In this performance, both the dancers and jazz musicians move between fixed phrases and improvised exploration, therefore every performance is different. After all, the most beautiful things usually happen when you least expect them, don't they? Get ready for a whirlwind of jazz and contemporary dance, harmony and chaos, virtuosity and tenderness. It will be a special evening for both music and dance lovers.
About this unique collaboration
Since its inception, the genre jazz has been inextricably linked to dance. Jazz was the dance music of the early 20th century: lively, rhythmic, and meant to move. With Storm, OFFprojects, Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and Shabaka Hutchings draw on this original energy and natural connection, translating both disciplines into a contemporary and artistic form. Where the poetic movement language of dance company OFFprojects comes together with the dynamics, originality and craftsmanship of Shabaka Hutchings and the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw.
About OFFprojects & Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw & Shabaka Hutchings
OFFprojects is a dance company based in The Hague, consisting of former dancers from renowned companies such as NDT, Batsheva, and Hofesh Shechter Company. Led by choreographer and musician Amos Ben-Tal, OFFprojects has created various performances in which live composition is integrated in an innovative and profound way. The collective is known for its out-of-the-box approach to dance, breathtaking dancers, and exciting interdisciplinary collaborations, pushing the boundaries of interdisciplinarity and shifting approaches to improvisation. Interval was nominated for the prestigious Zwaan Award for most impressive dance production, and PART was named one of the best performances of 2022 by the press.
As a central figure in London's jazz renaissance, Shabaka Hutchings distances himself from the strict “jazz” label and draws inspiration from many sources, from calypso and hip-hop beats to his classical training in London. After leading many influential ensembles such as The Comet is Coming, Sons of Kemet and Shabaka and the Ancestors he embarked on a new path in 2023, focusing primarily on flute. His most recent work, "Perceive its Beauty, Acknowledge its Grace," was inspired by spiritual jazz and traditional Barbadian music.
The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw consists of world-class Dutch jazz musicians. The JOC bears the name of the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the only concert hall in the world that, in addition to a classical orchestra, also has a jazz orchestra attached to its name. The big band is among the best of Europe, has won several prestigious Edison Awards and has previously collaborated with jazz legends such as Chick Corea, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Joshua Redman. Besides making more than a century of Dutch jazz accessible to new generations, the orchestra also looks ahead and collaborates with contemporary (jazz) musicians from all over the world.
Additional activity – OFFsessions #11
Ahead of the premiere, OFFprojects present a special edition of OFFsessions: a public encounter centred around Storm. During this session, choreographer Amos Ben-Tal, the dancers and musicians of the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw (with Shabaka Hutchings) share insights into the creative process and offer a sneak preview of the new work. Free entry during Open Amare on 25 April. Read more here.
