Zapp4 is a band with the line-up of a string quartet. It combines groove, improvisation, and fantasy with passionate solos. On stage the group is a blast: They interact with high speed and have a wide musical spectrum. No matter how wild or mild they get, there is always a poetic side to their music. Another striking item about the quartet is that all four members compose for the band. The uniqueness of the group and its repertoire makes Zapp4 very acceptable for a large audience including all sorts of music lovers. Because of this quality Zapp4 won the Sena Toonzetters Performers Award (a contemporary award for the best ensemble of the year) in 2012 and the Kersjesprijs (a prestiguous classical award) in 2005. The band continues to look for new adventures so there is much more to expect for the (near) future. Whoever is present at a Zapp performance will be guaranteed to leave the place with a big smile and freshly washed ears!
Zapp4 – The art of an improvising string quartet
The members of Zapp4 have gathered a broad variety of improvising styles, during the last 15 years. Not only as individuals playing jazz and improvised music in the dutch scene, but also in their projects as an ensemble they have developed a hybrid way of playing.
In this seminar Zapp4 will tell about their experience in this field of playing as a chamber music group. They show different ways of improvising and all kind of textures, colors and grooves which they use. Also they tell about their inspirations and play several pieces as examples of how they work and interact.