“Zappa!” Ludensemble XL, Vaiko Eplik & Valter Soosalu, dirigent Kaspar Mänd
For one night only, exclusively at Christmas Jazz, the Alexela Concert Hall will host an electrifying tribute to the unique and unparalleled Frank Zappa! Conductor Kaspar Mänd, soloists Vaiko Eplik and Valter Soosalu, and a 30-piece orchestra, along with a jazz ensemble featuring top Estonian musicians, will unravel one of the greatest musical enigmas of the 20th century.
Frank Zappa’s music defies easy summary – blending various styles, it is experimental, virtuosic and satirical. Regardless of personal taste, it leaves no one indifferent. The Christmas Jazz concert will focus on Zappa’s instrumental music, which encapsulates most of the artist’s different facets and ambitions. It is orchestral, energetic and witty ensemble music. Fascinated from an early age by composers like Varèse, Stravinsky and Webern, Zappa composed instrumental music influenced by them before forming a band and writing songs. As a result, he is one of the few artists who excite and uplift the spirits of enthusiasts across rock, jazz and classical music.
As Frank Zappa himself said, “Anything, anytime, anyplace, for no reason at all.” This approach leads to extraordinary twists of ideas and social reflections, characterised by a rare blend of sharp honesty and straightforwardness. One thing is certain: the audience will experience a powerful burst of energy!
Line up:
Kaspar Mänd – artistic director, conductor
Vaiko Eplik, Valter Soosalu – vocalists
Bianca Rantala, Elina Martinson – backing vocalists
Kaija Lukas, Egert Leinsaar – violins
Sandra Klimaite, Mairit Mitt – violas
Theodor Sink, Siluan Hirvoja – cellos
Peedu Kass – double bass
Madis Jürgens – mandoliin
Jaan Jaanson, Jaak Sooäär, Marek Talts, Vaiko Eplik – banjo, guitars
Maria Luisk – flutes
Heli Ernits – oboes
Alexandr Avramenko – clarinet
Marten Altrov – bass clarinet
Patrick Mauer – bassoon
Jürnas Rähni, Mattias Vihmann – horns
Neeme Ots, Laur Keller – trumpets
Toomas Vana, Johannes Kiik – trombones
Donatas Petreikis – saxophones
Madis Vilgats – tuba
Kirke Karja, Kärt Ruubel, Artis Boriss – piano, keys
Vambola Krigul, Heigo Rosin, Karl-Juhan Laanesaar, Madis Katkosilt – percussions
Kaisa Helena Žigurs – harp
Special thanks to UG Investments!
Kaspar Mänd homepage
Ludensemble homepage