DEGEM News – BERLIN – Kiezsalon Opening: Saturday, 31 May feat. Ann Annie, Alice Hebborn and Merope w/ Shahzad Ismaily

Dear friends and music lovers,

Following Friday’s program, our Kiezsalon opening weekend continues on Saturday, 31 May with three Berlin premieres: Lithuanian folk duo Merope joined by American multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily, Portland’s modern classical musician Ann Annie and newly added Belgian composer Alice Hebborn with pianist Nao Momitani.

Merope with Shahzad Ismaily

Saturday, 31.05.2025

Merope, the duo of singer and kanklės player Indrė Jurgelevičiūtėand guitarist-producer Bert Cools, reach into the roots of Lithuania’s folk music, reinterpreting its traditions through a celestial lens of ambient electronics, jazz and minimalism. In 2024 they released their fifth album Vėjula, which featured collaborations with Laraaji and Bill Frisell. The Guardian wrote: “this album feels like a sharp, cold and bright autumn morning, bracingly new.”

Joining Merope is American multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer Shahzad Ismaily. A longtime member of Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog, he has performed with countless other artists including John Zorn, Yoko Ono, Laurie Anderson and Colin Stetson.

Ann Annie

Saturday, 31.05.2025

Ann Annie is the name under which Portland-based composer Eli Goldberg crafts soft ambient soundscapes that blend cinematic textures with folk and country elements. Previously working with synthesizers and tape manipulation, Goldberg’s 2024 album The Wind expanded their palette to acoustic instruments. This new sound combines aspects of classical orchestras with string and horn instruments, old country guitar twang and electronic modulation.

Alice Hebborn

Saturday, 31.05.2025

Brussels-born composer Alice Hebborn has a proven track record of writing for theatre and ensembles including Musiques Nouvelles and Ensemble Fractales. In late 2024 she released her debut album Saisons—a contemplative journey through sound and nature. The Quietus praised it as “an accomplished and sophisticated work, which gives up more on every listen.”

Joined by pianist, longtime collaborator and fellow member of the Belgian LAPS Ensemble, Nao Momitani, Hebborn presents Saisons in Berlin for the first time.

Kiezsalon at Schloss Britz

30—31.05.2025

This suite of premieres follows Friday’s program, which features pipe master Brìghde Chaimbeul, a debut ensemble led by saxophonist and composer Cassie Kinoshi and the latest collaboration from former Swans members Dana Schechter & Paul Wallfisch.

Alongside a full weekend of music, guests can explore the blooming gardens, meet the resident farm animals and wander through the castle’s current exhibition.

See you south of the ring in just over five weeks.

Michael Rosen & Team