For the North Sea Jazz Composition Commission, Kika Sprangers has created an ambitious work titled The Way Wild Rivers Flow, in collaboration with the Netherlands Chamber Choir. In this piece, she combines a mixed choir with a jazz rhythm section, enriched with saxophone and trumpet. Building on her previous experiences with choral composition, she places the emotional power of the human voice at the heart of the music.
The music of Kika Sprangers (1994) is a refined blend of jazz and classical influences. The saxophonist and composer combines the lyrical nature of her instrument with a deep fascination for the human voice, which plays a central role in her work. Her compositions are characterized by memorable riffs, melodic lines, rhythmic variety, and strong dramatic arcs. Sprangers graduated with distinction from the Utrecht Conservatory in 2016, earning a 9 with honors. Since then, she has firmly established herself in the Dutch music scene.
Sprangers strives for a balance between freedom and structure, composing music specifically tailored to the musicians she works with. She draws inspiration from greats like Avishai Cohen and Maria Schneider. The result is a cohesive whole that leaves room for both improvisation and personal expression. For this composition, Sprangers collaborates not only with twelve vocalists of the Netherlands Chamber Choir, but also with an ensemble featuring Alistair Payne (trumpet), Reinier Baas (guitar), Tijs Klaassen (double bass), and Jonas Burgwinkel (drums).
We believe in a world where every voice is heard and where we listen to one another. Where vulnerability is a strength. Through choral music, we bring stories of the past, present, and future that touch, enrich, and connect people.
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