Jazz fireworks in Essen: Folkwang Jazz Night thrills on June 7th!

Jazz fireworks in Essen: Folkwang Jazz Night thrills on June 7th!

On Saturday, June 7th, 2025, the Folkwang Jazz Night will take place in the New Aula on the Essen-Werden campus at 7:30 p.m. The event promises to offer an impressive program that will appeal to both jazz lovers and newcomers. Entry costs 7 euros, reduced 5 euros, and students who present a school ID receive free entry. These prizes particularly invite young talents and music enthusiasts to attend the concert.

The musical highlight of the evening will be, among other things, a hard bop ensemble led by Professor Martin Sasse. The musicians will perform classical arrangements, including inspiring pieces by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. The singing voice of Luzie Micha, a Folkwang student, is expected as a special guest.

Diverse ensembles

Added to this is the fusion ensemble led by Frank Sichmann, which performs energetic classics. The flautist Maria Mendoza will further enrich the repertoire and create a tonal variety. Another highlight is Sebastian Gille's Thelonious Monk ensemble, whose fresh arrangements revive the creative muse of the great jazz pianist and composer.

Another integral part of the program is the piano trio KNUD, consisting of Jona Hahn on piano, Kevin Hemkemeier on double bass and Jonathan Schierhorn on drums. With this performance, KNUD celebrates the release of their debut album in a big band version, under the direction of Carla Köllner, who is responsible for trombones, composition and also as conductor. This collaboration promises to give the concert a special dynamic.

A notable feature of the Folkwang Jazz Night will be the multimedia concert experience, which will be complemented with audio-reactive visuals that visually underline the musical events.

Thelonious Monk: A Pioneer of Jazz

Thelonious Monk, born October 10, 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is considered a key figure in modern jazz and bebop. He is known for his iconic compositions such as “Round Midnight,” “Blue Monk,” and “Well, You Needn’t,” which are now celebrated jazz standards. Monk grew up in Manhattan, New York City and began playing piano at the age of nine, having previously studied trumpet. His early experiences, including participating in competition shows at the Apollo Theater, shaped his career.

Early in his career, Monk was house pianist at Minton's Playhouse, where he actively contributed to the development of bebop. However, his influence goes beyond his use of dissonance and percussive playing; he has inspired generations of musicians. Despite initial challenges in his career, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s, Monk eventually managed to gain greater recognition and reach a wider audience with major recording contracts, such as with Columbia Records.

Monk was posthumously recognized for his contribution to music and found his place in the Grammy Hall of Fame. He died of a stroke on February 17, 1982, leaving behind a legacy that continues to impact the jazz world today. His life and work demonstrate not only his musical genius, but also his personal devotion as a husband and father.

Tickets for the Folkwang Jazz Night are available via the Folkwang ticket hotline, by email and at the box office. This event promises a celebration of jazz that honors both the traditions and innovations of the genre.