Taz Modi & Prezioso (Suurbritannia–Eesti) • Jazzkaar 2023

Jazzkaar Festival is happy to present the new fascinating collaboration project of British pianist Taz Modi and Prezioso Quartet, where Modi’s magnetic and hypnotising minimalist piano music intertwines with Prezioso’s energetic and youthful playing style to offer the audience a rich and emotive musical experience.

Best known as a member of both Portico Quartet and Submotion Orchestra, as well as for his work with Matthew Halsall and DJ Shadow, Taz Modi combines atmospheric piano, lush strings and subtle ambient electronica to create unique and evocative soundscapes. His solo album Reclaimed Goods aims to bring as wide a range of expression into contemporary piano music as possible, with prepared piano melding seamlessly with strings and electronic beats.

The members of Prezioso string quartet, established in 2006, are Hanna-Liis Nahkur (violin), Mari-Katrina Suss (violin), Helena Altmanis (viola) and Andreas Lend (cello). All four musicians graduated from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, where the quartet was tutored by Henry-David Varema. In addition to playing in the quartet, Hanna-Liis, Mari-Katrina and Helena are also members of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, whereas Andreas is a cellist at the Estonian National Opera. Prezioso has been the first performer of new works by several Estonian composers and has also given concerts and made recordings with many classical, pop and jazz musicians. The quartet has successfully participated in several competitions and won prizes, given numerous concerts and participated in festivals in Estonia, Finland, Russia, the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey and the Czech Republic.