Adia Vanheerentals Solo - Amirtha Kidambi’s Elder Ones

Saxophonist Adia Vanheerentals is more than a musician: she is a maker. Alongside her contributions to the Elisabeth Klinck Trio and Woolvs Large Ensemble, she is building an international career with one of her own, Bodem. Vanheerentals, selected as one of Klara’s Twintigers for 2024 – the radio station’s annual showcase of promising young musicians – cites Alice Coltrane, Steve Lacy and Shabaka Hutchings among her influences. Her solo project for Bozar is a  translation of her album Taking Place (Relative Pitch Records, New York), which she launched as “conversations between a saxophonist and her surroundings”. She recorded her improvisations outdoors: in an empty silo, beside passing cars and even in a chicken coop. No clucking tonight, but the hatching of an artistic egg.  

Amirtha Kidambi is a socially engaged musician from New York who expresses herself through voice, harmonium and electronics. She found her ideal collaborators ten years ago, namely the musicians of her ensemble Elder Ones. Together with saxophonist Matt Nelson, bassist Nick Dunston and drummer Jason Nazary, she moves confidently between Carnatic song, avant-garde rock and free jazz. The band is unafraid to confront themes such as power, capitalism, colonialism, white supremacy and fascism. Expect plenty of raised fists, while the band treats the ears to a non-stop feast.