Status: 20.09.2023, 15:35 p.m.
By: Klaus Greif
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The new and the old: Sven Faller (left) takes over the artistic direction of Hans-Jürgen Schaal's jazz series. © Chris Frenzel
The Stadthalle's "Jazz It" series has a new artistic director.
Sven Faller, one of Germany's most renowned jazz double bass players, has taken over from Hans-Jürgen Schaal. On Wednesday, he introduced himself and the new program.
In 2007, Hans-Jürgen Schaal, one of the country's most important jazz publicists, who lives in Germering, launched the new jazz series with former Stadthalle director Medea Schmitt. At that time, people were not sure whether this could work in Germering, Schaal recalled yesterday in the Amadeus Hall. But even a first test concert was immediately fully booked. And the subscription series, which was then launched, was also in such high demand that Medea Schmitt doubled the number of concerts a year.
Mayor Andreas Haas expressly thanked Schaal for bringing many jazz greats to Germering in recent years. He is convinced that his successor Sven Faller will also bring numerous exciting artists to the Stadthalle.
That Sven Faller has the necessary knowledge for this and also has a large network in jazz, believes Stadthalle director Kathrin Jacobs. She has known the double bass player since her time in Neuburg an der Donau, where she presided over the cultural office. Faller had led the summer academy there. As a musician, he travels all over Europe – and not only in jazz.
The new artistic director comes from the region, but now lives in the Upper Palatinate. The first programme he has worked out begins in January and includes five concerts – two of which he will play himself. His goal is to cover the jazz traditions as well as modern moods. Visitors to the Amadeus Hall should listen to high-quality music, which is not only accessible to specialists. Musicians from the region will play just as much a role as international stars.
The first concert will be given on January 26 by singer and actress Anna Maria Sturm with her current project. Sven Faller plays bass in her quartet.
This is followed by the Swedish guitarist Ulf Wakenius, a real world star who has already played with all the greats of jazz. On April 12, he will play in a duo with guitarist Paula Morello. Also in the duo on July 12 are Matthias Bublath (piano, organ) and Tim Collins (vibraphone). The trio of pianist Anke Helfrich, who is one of the best jazz musicians in Europe and has also been heard in Germering, will play on 25 October. Munich-based singer Lisa Wahlandt will end the jazz year 2024 with a concert on December 6, where Christmas songs will also play a role.
The pre-sale for the concerts has begun. Sven Faller particularly wanted to emphasize that there is a cheap subscription offer for pupils and students: They only have to pay 30 euros for the five concerts. Faller hopes to be able to attract younger visitors to jazz in this way.