Debut Concert – Anna Bignami, composition: Sehnsucht – Life Longings and the Pursuit of Happiness
Exciting New Jazz with Anna Bignami and Aarhus Jazz Orchestra
Experience an evening where the deep emotions and grand ambitions of jazz merge into a unique concert experience. The talented Danish-Italian composer Anna Bignami has created brand-new works specifically for Aarhus Jazz Orchestra, exploring the theme of “Sehnsucht”.
Prepare for a unique night of captivating new jazz compositions, beautiful melodies, and powerful solo performances as the rising Danish-Italian composer Anna Bignami presents brand-new modern jazz music written especially for Aarhus Jazz Orchestra. This debut concert marks the completion of her soloist studies—the highest level at the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus. The concert is free for the audience, but due to limited seating, reservations are recommended.
A Jazz Concert About Life’s Longings and the Pursuit of Happiness
At this debut concert, audiences can look forward to hearing the big band’s 16 outstanding musicians perform Anna Bignami’s stunning musical interpretations of **Sehnsucht**, a German word describing a deep yearning for something unattainable or forever lost. Whether it relates to love, career, or well-being, in the end, everyone longs for happiness. Sehnsucht was a central theme in Romantic music, and through the jazz concert Sehnsucht – Life Longings and the Pursuit of Happiness, Anna Bignami offers her own modern jazz interpretation of the concept.
With entirely new works written specifically for Aarhus Jazz Orchestra, Bignami creates a contemporary jazz take on this timeless theme. Her compositions draw inspiration from both classical and modern expressions, pushing the big band’s dynamic sound to new levels. Audiences can expect intense solo performances, deep sonic exploration, and a musical journey where melancholy and hope intertwine.
A Rising Star on the Jazz Scene
Anna Bignami has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting new voices in jazz composition. Born in Italy and based in Denmark, she has collaborated with renowned ensembles such as Kalaha, Abekejser, and Athletic Progression. Her original approach to jazz composition has earned international recognition, and in 2023, she was awarded the Aarhus Jazz Festival Talent Prize for her work as a composer and conductor.
Her piece “The Blue Fairy” won the prestigious “Sophie Desmarais International Composition Competition for Large Jazz Ensemble” in 2022, praised for its sonic finesse and ability to create an atmosphere balancing between film noir and modern jazz.
Critically Acclaimed Debut Album
In 2022, Anna Bignami released her debut album “Nocturnes”, which was met with enthusiasm by critics. Jazz in Europe wrote:
“Nocturnes is a thoughtful and well-crafted album that successfully explores the musical and thematic possibilities of the nocturne in a contemporary jazz context. Bignami’s arrangements and compositions demonstrate a deep understanding of both jazz and classical traditions, resulting in music that is both respectful of its influences and forward-looking in its approach.”
With “Sehnsucht – Life Longings and the Pursuit of Happiness”, audiences can look forward to an unforgettable concert experience where tradition meets innovation, and where Aarhus Jazz Orchestra and Anna Bignami bring jazz’s eternal longing to life.
The music is supported by Koda Kultur.
The concert is free, and you can just show up without a ticket. Please come early.