In preparation for the 47th Breathing project, the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp invited Canadian saxophonist/ bassoonist/ composer Ben Wendel as a coach. He will spend a week rehearsing intensively with the students. You will hear and see the result of their creative quest on the Hnita stage on 5 October.
With the Breathing project, the Antwerp Conservatoire has supported jazz students for ten years, both logistically and artistically, in their search for their own personalities. They engage an established jazz musician for in-depth, intensive coaching.
In Ben Wendel, they found one of the most respected musicians of our time. Wendel has a varied career as a performer, composer and producer. Highlights include tours, performances and/or recordings with artists such as Tigran Hamasyan, Antonio Sanchez, Gerald Clayton, Eric Harland, Taylor Eigsti, Linda May Han Oh, Moonchild, Louis Cole, Daedelus, Snoop Dogg and Prince. Ben is also one of the founders of the Grammy-nominated group Kneebody.
After a week of rehearsals under his direction, 'Fest', featuring Felix de Clerck (bass guitar), Simon Pas (drums) and Thibaut de Ryckere (keys) among others, will live up to Ben Wendel's expectations on 5 October.
foto: Dave Stapleton