Five young musicians,
principals
of the Brandenburg
Symphony, have put together an unusual ensemble as a result of a
desire to experiment with new sounds. The instrumentation of this
ensemble clearly demonstrates this idea: Alpenhorn, didgeridoo,
saxophone and percussion, instuments
whose origins often are thousands of miles apart, which are woven
through
a mixture of composed and improvised music into a musical tapestry.
Through its music, the
Jacaranda Ensemble
builds a bridge between the cultures of the world. The positive
response
of the public as well as international respect has confirmed the
unusual
concept of the Jacaranda Ensemble. Concert tours within Germany and
abroad,
as well as a positive reaction from the media are the visible results
of
this artistic endeavor.
The Musicians:
Richard
Mosthaf
Didgeridoo, Alpenhorn
born in
Stuttgart, he studied at the Nuremberg Music Academy and was engaged
as hornist
by the Brandenburg Symphony in 1991. Concert tours with the orchestra
awakened
an interest in the sounds of other peoples, Didgeridoo and Alphorn
fascinating
him in particular. He began to learn the complicated techique of the
didgeridoo
even before "Jacaranda" was founded, studying with several masters of
the
instrument. He became a founding member of the ensemble in 1997,
attempting
to combine the special qualities of Alphorn and Didgeridoo, and
developing
the unique sound of the "Alpendidg" which can regularly be heard at
"Jacaranda"
concerts.
Thomas
Hoffmann Alpenhorn, French Horn
born in Berlin,
his parents were instrumental in introducing him to music's magical
powers.
He studied at the Berlin Music Academy "Hanns Eisler
Berlin"
and was immediately employed by the Brandenburg
Symphony.
His work as solo horn player involves orchestral touring and solo
concerts
worldwide, besides which he also finds time to dedicate to his own
musical
projects. Since 1997 playing the Alphorn has become his second most
important
activity, along with frenchhorn. His contact with musical ideas from
all
over the world led him to become a founder of "Jacaranda" in 1997.
born in south german Krumbach, he studied at the Berlin Music Academy "Hanns Eisler Berlin". He made numerous recordings for film, television and CD with ensembles ranging from roch, classical to jazz. In 2006 he was a appointed as principal timpanist in the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. It was this work which brought him to Jacaranda in 2003. His own special contribution is the “Afro-beat”: he sought out the origins of this particular type of percussion on various journeys through Africa, and now he weaves the resulty of this experience into the sound of the group.
Matthias
Dressler Marimba, Percussion
born in Berlin, he was employed by the Brandenburg symphony as solo percussionist immediately after his final examinations in 1986 at the Berlin Music Academy "Hanns Eisler Berlin". He frequently takes part in experimental and crossover music productions: besides major projects such as the legendary “The Wall” concert by Pink Floyd in Berlin in 1990, or the Europa Concert by “Metallica and Symphony” in Berlin in 1999 it is the many smaller productions for which he has repeatedly gained notice as an artist. In order to develop and focus his music-making he became a founder-member of the group in 1997.
