Creaziun 2026–2027
In progress · premieres from December 2026
How can composers and performers develop co-creative processes together?
Creaziun 2026–2027 is the second edition of a project I initiated and direct. It takes up the question of the first edition (2021–2022) with a new line-up of the Slide Ensemble: a quintet with two saxophones, two violas, drums and electronics.
Four composers with strong ties to the Swiss scene, from different generations and regions, were commissioned to write for the ensemble: Jürg Frey, Jacques Demierre, Lucas Niggli and Asia Ahmetjanova. The pieces take shape in dialogue between composers and performers, and the composers are also invited to each other’s rehearsals.
The new works will be premiered in a concert series across several language regions of Switzerland. The filmmaker Michelle Ettlin follows the process from the rehearsals to the stage.
- Status
- In progress: co-creation rehearsals
- Concept
- Diego Kohn, artistic direction and production
- Ensemble
- Slide Ensemble
- Film
- Michelle Ettlin
- Previous
- Creaziun 2021–2022
Where the process stands
- May–June 2026Kick-off: getting to know each other, exchanging ideas, researching sounds together
- July–September 2026The composers develop their material
- September–November 2026 · nowCo-creation rehearsals with composers and ensemble
- December 2026–April 2027Premieres in six concerts
Concerts
- 15 December 2026Das Institut, Zurich
- 18 December 2026MusikWohnhaus (MuWo), Basel
- 9 January 2027Pakt, Bern
- 22 January 2027Mono Art Space, Lucerne
- 13 February 2027La Voirie, Biel
- 13 April 2027Kunstraum Walcheturm, Zurich
Times and tickets: Slide Ensemble agenda
Composers
- Jürg FreyAarau, born 1953Composer. His music is performed at festivals such as MaerzMusik, Huddersfield and Donaueschingen and in concert halls around the world.
- Jacques DemierreGeneva, born 1954Pianist, composer and improviser, working between music, sound poetry and site-specific sound interventions. Swiss Music Prize 2018.
- Lucas NiggliZurich, born 1968Drummer moving between jazz, new music, rock and improvisation. He teaches improvisation at the ZHdK.
- Asia AhmetjanovaRiga and Zurich, born 1992Composer and pianist. Her work brings together contemporary music, performance and installation; her music theatre piece ENDLICH was developed for the Munich Biennale 2026.
Slide Ensemble
- Gemma Galeano Ballestarsaxophones
- Ferran Gorrea i Muñozsaxophones
- Frantz Loriotviola
- Lukas Manteldrums
- Diego Kohnviola, electronics, artistic direction
More about the ensemble: Slide Ensemble in Collaborations · slideensemble.webnode.page
Supported by
Pro Helvetia · Fondation SUISA · Schweizerische Interpretenstiftung SIS · Ernst Göhner Stiftung · Landis & Gyr Stiftung · Migros-Kulturprozent Luzern · Fondation Nicati-de Luze · Burgergemeinde Bern · Kanton Bern · Kanton Zürich · Stadt Bern · Stadt Biel · Stadt Luzern · Stadt Zürich
Rehearsal photos, recordings and the film will be added as the project develops.