From and to Infinity
From and To Infinity, a composition by Niels Brouwer, comprises four movements. Pieces originally composed for Ambon City’s bamboo flute orchestra Molucca Bamboowind Orchestra – from piccolo to double bass bamboo flute – are now performed by Nora Mulder on pipe organ. Brouwer has made new arrangements for a unique line-up that includes organs, recorders, kora, guitar and vocals.
In From and to Infinity, let yourself be carried on the waves to the Moluccan Island of Ambon. The sea, portrayed by the organ, forms the connection to the rest of the world. Prepare yourself for a journey of contrasts and parallel universes. You will experience singing in an ancient language, the ferocious breath of the organ, the microtonal keys of Balinese gender, bright strumming on guitar and West African kora, an unleashed recorder, and a gritty e-guitar with percussion. It is acoustic versus electronic, mechanical versus organic, free versus rhythmic.
In these new arrangements Monica and Niels play together with pianist Nora Mulder, Hungarian recorder player Dodó Kis, kora player Sekou Dioubate and percussionist Bintou Kouyate, both from Guinea. Together, the musicians explore the possibilities of sound, with plenty of room for improvisation. From and to Infinity consists of four parts, each representing an important aspect of the island of Ambon for Brouwer: The Sea, Dryland, The City, and Joy.
Monica Akihary: vocals, bass kalimba, live sequencer
Niels Brouwer: guitars
Sekou Dioubate: 35-string kora, slit drum, gendèr
Dodó Kis: soprano, alto, tenor and great bass recorder
Nora Mulder: pipe organ, analogue synth
Bintou Kouyate: percussion
Press about From and To Infinity
“but more importantly the multifarious suite with its many surprising improvisational moments can be enjoyed in different ways. It’s a unique listening experience because it ventures beyond the conventional boundaries.” Jazzism Aug 2023
“Together, they have created original music over the years that few others can match today. And their latest release shows that this is an extremely creative and exciting band, combining contemporary improvisational music with Akihary’s homeland music in an outstanding way.” Salt Peanuts Oct 2023
interview New Music Now The organ as flute orchestra
