Ernst Reijseger: Picture This

A Genre Bender

The LA Times calls Ernst Reijseger a true Genre Bender. He collaborates with theatre makers, poets, dancers, painters, sculptors and photographers as an improvising cellist. In 2017, he played with Oscar Isaac and Keegan Michael Key and provided the music for Shakespeare's Hamlet in New York City.

Connected to BIMHUIS

Reijseger's connection with BIMHUIS goes back a long way. He performed in October 1974, in the opening month of the first BIMHUIS at the Oudeschans. Since then he has performed on stage more than 150 times, together with musicians such as Theo Loevendie, ICP, Clusone Trio, Gerry Hemingway and Sean Bergin.

Unpredictable music

As the winner of the Boy Edgar Prize, Reijseger's music remains unpredictable. Tonight, he will bring together a twelve-piece ensemble under the name Picture This, a reference to the films for which he composed. Musicians from all over the world will come together to create sounds and compositions that stimulate the imagination.

A World Ensemble

The ensemble consists of several high-flying soloists who are also excellent ensemble players. Reijseger has been working with pianist Harmen Fraanje and singer Mola Sylla for 20 years. Bassist Mats Eilertsen and percussionist/drummer Thomas Strønen also joined the company; they made two albums together with Reijseger.

Collaborations

Accordionist Luciano Biondini is a regular musical partner with whom Reijseger has shared the stage and recorded film music for Werner Herzog. Violinist Mario Forte is a more recent colleague; he won first prize in the Zbigniew Seifert String Competition in 2018 and formed a duo with Reijseger.

A String Sextet

Finally, Alan 'Gunga' Purves has been playing with Reijseger for almost as long as the BIMHUIS has existed. This formation also includes a string sextet led by violinist Jeffrey Bruinsma and cellists Geneviève Verhage and Djoeke Klijzing. Together, they create a fascinating mix of sound and instant composition that feeds the imagination.