Role

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Ensemble

 

Bl!ndman is a Belgian classical music ensemble that was founded in 1988 by saxophonist and composer Eric Sleichim. The ensemble is known for its innovative and experimental approach to classical music, often incorporating elements of contemporary music, jazz, and electronic music into their performances. The ensemble's name, Bl!ndman, is a play on words that reflects their unique approach to music. The word "blind" refers to their willingness to take risks and explore new musical territory, while the word "man" reflects their commitment to the traditional classical music canon. Bl!ndman's core members include Eric Sleichim on saxophone, Wim Konink on saxophone, Piet Rebel on saxophone, and Eric Thielemans on percussion. Over the years, the ensemble has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and artists, including composers, visual artists, and choreographers. One of the highlights of Bl!ndman's career was their performance at the 1992 World Music Days festival in Madrid, where they premiered Sleichim's composition "Shadows." The piece, which was inspired by the work of the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian, featured a unique blend of saxophone and percussion sounds, and was praised for its innovative approach to classical music. In 1994, Bl!ndman released their first album, "Bl!ndman Plays Bach," which featured their interpretations of Bach's music for saxophone quartet. The album was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading classical music groups in Belgium. Over the years, Bl!ndman has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, experimenting with new sounds and techniques. In 2000, they collaborated with the Belgian electronic music duo Telex on the album "Radio Bl!ndman," which featured their interpretations of classic radio hits from the 1960s and 1970s. In 2008, Bl!ndman celebrated their 20th anniversary with a series of concerts and events, including the premiere of Sleichim's composition "20x20," which featured 20 short pieces for saxophone quartet. In addition to their performances and recordings, Bl!ndman has also been recognized for their contributions to classical music. In 2001, they were awarded the Flanders Culture Prize for Music, and in 2013, they received the prestigious Klara Career Award, which is given to artists who have made a significant contribution to the Belgian cultural landscape. Today, Bl!ndman continues to be one of the most innovative and exciting classical music ensembles in Europe, with a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in classical music. Whether they are performing Bach, jazz, or contemporary music, their unique blend of saxophone and percussion sounds is sure to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of classical music lovers.

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