Jazzkaar 2026 opening concert: Mingo Rajandi „Lady Sapiens” • Jazzkaar 2026

The opening concert of Jazzkaar 2026 will feature music that is not afraid to ask questions and dares to take risks!

“Lady Sapiens” examines the role of women and the concept of femininity throughout history, questioning modern binary thinking. Drawing inspiration from the provocative book “Lady Sapiens” by archaeologists Thomas Cirotteau, Jennifer Kerner and Eric Pincas, Mingo Rajandi depicts women in roles that male-centered history has mostly written them out of – as hunters, creators, leaders, knowledge bearers and innovators. “Lady Sapiens” stands for a worldview where women’s voices are heard, authoritative and multifaceted. Femininity here does not mean a norm, but freedom – the right to define one’s identity through personal experience and creative expression.

Originally written for three double basses and a serpent, “Lady Sapiens” is a co-production of Jazzkaar, the Belgian concert organizer HA Concerts, and the British festival hcmf, and its world premiere was in Ghent on November 15 and in Huddersfield on November 23. At the Jazzkaar opening concert, however, the work will be heard in a new soundscape – the work will be performed by two double basses, a cello, and a violin. The change in composition is not merely formal, but opens up a new perspective for the work. “Lady Sapiens” lives and changes with its performances, reflecting the inherent ability of both jazz and contemporary music to develop over time, adapt, and find new ways of expression – just like the roles of women throughout history. Maarja Nuut and Regina Udod from Estonia and Eugénie Defraigne from Belgium will take to the stage with Rajand for the Estonian premiere of the new work.

The concert and creation of Mingo Rajand’s “Lady Sapiens” are supported by UNESCO City of Music Tallinn.

Mingo Rajandi:
Koduleht
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