»Palimpsesto« release and presentation in Berlin

On 19 September 2014, Zafraan Ensemble presents its debut release »Palimpsesto« at the Spanish Embassy in Berlin. The CD-DVD edition of the label Testklang will be distributed by Harmonia Mundi.

»Palimpsesto« contains five exceptional new recordings of pieces by the contemporary Spanish composers Hèctor Parra, Elena Mendoza, Alberto Posadas and Juan María Cué, as well as a renaissance piece by Luis de Narváez in a new arrangement by Miguel Pérez Iñesta. The album title of »Palimpsesto« comes from the word’s usage in the antiquity and middle-ages, which describes the way ancient, deleted texts are often still visible underneath the later texts on pieces of parchment. The Zafraan Ensemble under the direction of Manuel Nawri probes the works of these Spanish avant-garde composers for the influence of their traditions, in so doing opening up an exciting, multi layered sound-world with stunning virtuosity.

Other elements of »Palimpsesto« are five poems, including a new creation by the Spanish poet José Antonio Rodríguez Alva, a booklet in three languages with an essay by Janis El-Bira, a music video by Martin W. Maier to Ciel Rouillé by Hèctor Parra and also a documentary film as well as interviews featuring all artists involved. The five art objects by painter Luis Ángel Prestell, created in reference to the five compositions, serve as a starting point for the design by Fabian Lefelmann.

Zafraan Ensemble / Manuel Nawri (conductor) / Luis Ángel Prestell (painter) / Martin W. Maier (film director) / Barkas & Hishi Karo (performers) / Elena Mendoza (composer) / Janis El-Bira (philosopher) / Marc Tritschler (label manager) / Miguel Pérez Iñesta, Clemens Hund-Göschel, Sebastian Solte (hosts)

The event and subsequent reception will be held in the Auditorium of the Spainsh Embassy in Berlin and will begin at 7 pm. Entrance is free, however it is necessary to register by 18 September 2014 through the following address: mail (at) zafraan-ensemble.com (admission only after email confirmation).