EXPRESSIONS: THE OPENING CEREMONY

XJAZZ! FESTIVAL 2023
10.MAY @ EMMAUSKIRCHE

Expressions; The Opening Ceremony, curated by Dhanesh Jayaselan, is a showcasing of some of the most exciting musical movements taking place in the city. In its 2023 edition, Expressions invites the phenomenal “A Song For You” vocal ensemble project, alongside the reappearance of the Berlin Expressions Ensemble - this year led by one of the strongest musical tastemakers in the city, Àbáse.

A Song For You is a vocal ensemble project, made up of ±50 vocalists and a revolving band, which emphasizes the collaborative spirit within the Berlin neo-soul/RnB/HipHop scene. The project was formed by singer Noah Slee and creative director Dhanesh Jayaselan, with the emphasis to amplify the talent that lies within the cities' live soulful music scene, and to furthermore create a space and platform for underrepresented voices to be heard and at the forefront of their own artistic medium. The mission of ASFY is to elevate and bring the spotlight to the flourishing and diverse live soulful music scene here in Berlin, while expanding its capabilities to the absolute unknown.

Berlin Expressions Ensemble, led by Àbáse, features an array of leading musicians from the emerging Jazz scene of Berlin. On the night we will be joined by Fanni Zahar (Flute), Lisa Buchholz (Trumpet), Ori Jacobson (Saxophone), Szabolcs Bognar (Keys), Eric Owusu Sunday (Percussion + Vocals), Yannick Nolting (Bass), Ziggy Zeitgeist (Drums). The Berlin Expressions Ensemble was born on the first “Expressions; The Opening Ceremony” of XJAZZ! 2022; and serves as the coming together of some of the city's most exciting Jazz talents. The group will be joined by some very special guests on the night.