In “The Köln Concert”, choreographer Trajal Harrell brings together one of the most famous solo piano recordings of all time, the “Köln Concert” by American jazz pianist Keith Jarrett from 1975, with songs by Canadian musician Joni Mitchell. Both artists are icons of music history who not only shaped Harrell's own artistic practice, but also entire generations with their music. The music of Joni Mitchell opens the evening and sets the stage for the music of Keith Jarrett and the seven dancers of the Zurich Dance Ensemble, who indulge in the intimate and vulnerable moment of encounter under the influence of different dance traditions and styles. How can people meet despite different languages, different world views and identities? Trajal Harrell's “The Köln Concert” is a reminder that despite everything, it is necessary to stay close, to have respect for each other and to never forget that there are many stories that are barely heard or seen, stories of people who are pushed into the shadows. This evening belongs to them.

Biography

Biography Image

Photo: Bea Borgers

The American choreographer and dancer Trajal Harrell has been creating pieces for international dance and theatre houses and festivals as well as for museums and art institutions for more than 20 years. Trajal Harrell's unique style not only arises from the unusual combination of seemingly distant dance styles such as voguing, early postmodern dance, butoh and elements from fashion, music and pop culture, but above all from the fragility and humor that permeate all his works. Trajal Harrell founded the Zurich Dance Ensemble in 2024.

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Cast & Credits

Direction, choreography, stage, soundtrack, costumeTrajal Harrell
MusicKeith Jarrett, Joni Mitchell
PerformanceVânia Doutel, Vaz, Perle Palombe, Trajal Harrell, Rob Fordeyn, Stephen Thompson, Songhay Toldon, Ondrej Vidlar
LightSylvain Rausa
DramaturgyKatinka Deecke
Audience developmentMathis Neuhaus
Theatre pedagogyManuela Runge
Production assistanceCamille Roduit, Maja Renn
Assistance stage designAnn-Kathrin Bernstetter, Natascha Leonie Simons
Assistance costumeUlf Brauner, Miriam Schliehe
Stage managementMichael Durrer
Assistant productionMoritz Lienhard
Assistant costume designReina Guyer
Technician on tourPetra Kenneth, Ulrich Kellermann, Stephan Wöhrmann
Tour management and international relationsBjörn Pätz, ART HAPPENS

Supported by the Alliance of International Production Houses with funds from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media as well as Pro Helvetia and the Schweizer Kulturstiftung.