| Makers | Ensemble Klang, Elaine Mitchener, Mikhail Johnson |
| Duration | 105 min |
A Jamaican folk party, with Mikhail Johnson and Elaine Mitchener
Humor, intrigue, empathy, hope, and social commentary resonate throughout the evening.
British vocalist Elaine Mitchener has a strong preference for new sounds, voices, and stories within contemporary music, particularly from composers who, like herself, come from the African diaspora. She shares this mission with Ensemble Klang, who have previously focused on groundbreaking composers featured in this program, such as American minimalism legend and activist Julius Eastman.
During the evening, Mitchener and Ensemble Klang will perform works that explore themes of remembrance, testimony, and storytelling. The program includes the premiere of the Wigmore Hall-commissioned song cycle Tell, Jonkonnu Tell! by Jamaican-American composer Mikhail Johnson. Through various characters, Johnson tells the story of the Jamaican carnival celebration Jonkonnu.
On the evening, you will hear works by the following composers:
- Raven Chacon - Ella Llora
- Mikhail Johnson - Tell, Jonkonnu Tell!
- Muhal Richard Abrams - How are you?
- Jan-Bas Bollen - Floating Islands
- Thelonious Monk - Misterioso (arr. Ran Blake/Jeanne Lee) (text by Gertrude Stein)
- Julius Eastman - Joy Boy
- Hannah Kendall - when flesh is pressed against the dark
- Jennifer Walshe - Something That Is Continuous
- Mark E. Smith / The Fall - Frenz
Experience a festive atmosphere that offers adventurous explorations of life, nature, and music, composed by both emerging and legendary composers.
KC Mini-Lab before this performance
Free admission
Koninklijk Conservatorium and Korzo provide a platform for talented composition students. On these special evenings, planned entirely by the students, they present their latest works, alongside performers from the instrumental departments. With guidance from their teachers, the evenings offer an exciting musical experience. From lutes to laptops, homemade instruments to singers and DJs, anything can happen at KC Lab. Get ready for 30 minutes of surprises and adventure!
To conclude the evening, join us for a conversation with Elaine Mitchener and Ensemble Klang at Club Korzo, right after the performance.
Jonkonnu is a vibrant parade originating in Jamaica, where dancers and musicians wear bright colored costumes to bring to life a diverse range of characters. These range from mythical figures to representations of the impact of colonization and those in power within society.
The Junkanoos symbolize the liberation from slavery, embodying a powerful message of freedom and resilience.
This performance is a lively celebration of Jamaican culture, offering a profound reflection on the social and historical context that shapes this iconic festival.
Elaine Mitchener is a British Afro-Caribbean vocalist, movement artist and composer working between contemporary/experimental new music, free improvisation and visual art. She is currently a Wigmore Hall Associate Artist; was a DAAD Artist-in-Berlin Fellow (2022) and was an exhibiting artist in the British Art Show 9 (2021-22). In February 2022 Mitchener was awarded an MBE for Services to Music. Elaine is founder of the collective electroacoustic unit The Rolling Calf (with Jason Yarde and Neil Charles).
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