An immersive experience at the crossroads of film, AI-driven visual art, and fusion of jazz and electronic music delivered by Blanka Barbara & Late Arrivals (electronics & piano), featuring Alice Zawadzki (vocals) and jazz trio Rawicz/Mansfield/Jensen.
UnDying Sounds: Reinventing Komeda is an innovative audio-visual project that celebrates the enduring legacy of Krzysztof Komeda, a pioneer of Polish jazz and one of the most influential composers in European cinema. This multidisciplinary experience reimagines the essence of Komeda’s work, bringing his visionary music to life through a modern lens.
At the heart of the project are iconic scenes from films scored by Komeda, masterfully re-envisioned by Kajetan Szostok, an award-winning visual artist known for his innovative storytelling through AI-enhanced imagery. These cinematic moments are transformed into striking visual narratives, creating a rich tapestry of past and present.
The musical dimension of UnDying Sounds is equally compelling. Masterminded by Blanka Barbara, Komeda’s timeless jazz compositions are reinvented, merging his evocative melodies with the dynamic energy of contemporary electronic and acoustic music. A diverse ensemble of musicians leads this reinvention: electronic artists Late Arrivals invite a renowned jazz singer Alice Zawadzki and an exquisite trio featuring Emma Rawicz on saxophone, Jonny Mansfield on vibraphone, and Freddie Jensen on double bass. Together, they craft an electrifying dialogue between the experimental edge of electronic soundscapes and the improvisatory essence of jazz.
This fusion of sound and AI-driven visuals creates an immersive experience where the boundaries between genres blur, inviting audiences into a world of mind-bending creativity and transformation. By embracing the experimental potential of electronic music and the freedom of jazz improvisation, UnDying Sounds: Reinventing Komeda is more than a tribute - it’s a bold exploration of the intersection of music, AI, film, and visual art, offering a new perspective on Komeda’s timeless, undying genius.
Ticket Sales on the Southbank Centre website will open:
12th February (for Southbank Centre members)
13th February (for General Sale)
About the artists:
Blanka Barbara – A multifaceted artist, Blanka Barbara is equally skilled at crafting intricate melodic house and techno tracks as she is at performing them live to audiences worldwide. Named one of the Top 10 DJs and Music Producers of 2023 by Magnetic Magazine, her recent projects include composing music and performing live in the theatre production KS6: Small Forward and launching her label UnTold for electronic creative misfits. www.blankabarbara.com
Late Arrivals – An electroacoustic duo consisting of Blanka Barbara and pianist/composer St. Ignatius, Late Arrivals blends cinematic piano sophistication with atmospheric avant-garde electronic dance music. Their recent show, Failures of Kindness, was featured at Rich Mix in London to high acclaim. www.instagram.com/_late_arrivals
Kajetan Szostok – A designer and conceptual artist, Kajetan Szostok has been recognised as one of the Top 10 AI Architects of 2023 by AIA Magazine. Winner of the Digital Arts and Digital Design Days Renaissance Milan competitions in AI-generated image and animation, Kajetan focuses on hybrid and harmonious uses of AI with digital craftsmanship. www.kajetanszostok.com
Alice Zawadzki – A vocalist and violinist, Alice occupies a unique space in the creative European music scene. Loosely connected to jazz, she stands as a distinctive, individual presence, earning a nomination for Singer of the Year at the 2024 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards. Her latest album, Za Górami, was released on ECM Records. www.alicezmusic.com
Emma Rawicz – A saxophonist and 2022 winner of a Parliamentary Jazz Award, Emma is a finalist for both the 2022 Jazz FM Awards and the 2024 BBC Young Jazz Musician Competition. Her recent album, Chroma, released on ATC, was selected as The Guardian's Album of the Month. www.emmarawicz.com
Jonny Mansfield – A multi-percussionist and sought-after collaborator, Jonny tours extensively across the UK and Europe. www.jonnymansfield.com
Freddie Jensen – A double bassist and finalist in the 2014 BBC Young Jazz Musician Competition, Freddie is known for his nuanced and expressive performances.
