On June 15, Gürzenich Orchester Köln and Titus Engel will give the German premiere of Melting Pot by Austrian composer Bernhard Gander at Carlswerk Viktoria, Cologne. This work is written for two rap groups, a DJ, a slam poet, two beatboxers, a breakdancer and orchestra.
While each genre maintains its own style and sound, this combination creates a different exciting experience and allows for a newfound liberty within this interaction. Melting Pot stands for cultural fusion, unity and transcending barriers and stereotypes.
In 2012, Gander received the Ernst Krenek Prize for Melting Pot.
For more information, please see the website of Gürzenich Orchester Köln.
Bernhard Gander, known as a rebel in the art music scene, studied piano, composition and conducting at the Tyrolean State Conservatory in Innsbruck. He furthered his compositional studies at the Electronic Studio UPIC in Paris, the Swiss Center for Computer Music in and the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. With his compositions, he explores diverse influences such as electronic music, rap, and heavy metal, as well as sometimes referencing pop culture themes such as comic book characters.
