The Sound of Rebellion

For his annual members' concert, Felix Schlarmann once again takes the stage solo, this time performing entirely acoustically. The performance is combined with a talk and listening session exploring the role of jazz in the struggle for equality and freedom: from silent witness to outspoken voice of resistance.

We will listen to musicians who used their art as a political statement. From Duke Ellington, who was among the first to portray the history of the African American community in an orchestral work, to Charles Mingus and Max Roach, who challenged the commercial music industry and the racism of their time by establishing their own platforms and collectives. Abbey Lincoln, whose voice became an instrument of protest, will also feature. Ornette Coleman and Eric Dolphy pushed the boundaries of music itself, linking artistic freedom to social equality. John Coltrane, in turn, gave musical expression to the pain and violence of the American Civil Rights Movement.

In between the stories and listening excerpts, Felix performs drum solos inspired by the legendary Max Roach, who elevated the drum solo to a fully-fledged form of musical expression: melodic, thematic and with rhythm as its voice.

Felix Schlarmann – drums, talk

Photo: Martijn de Koning

Member concert
Splendor can only be the independent and free hub that it is, thanks to the members who support us. We pay them back with our specialty: music. Every year, all Splendor musicians play one concert that's free for this crucial group to whom Splendor owes its everyday existence. Combined with many other events, this means that our members have free entrance to over 50 concerts a year for €9,99 p/m (and €4,99 p/m for minima and students!) – and receive a discount for all other concerts. Pretty good deal, right?

The members enable Splendor to remain independent, which is the only way to secure real freedom in programming, experimentation, risk-taking and the promotion of young, upcoming artists. If you can think of another place without a central programming, where last-minute concerts can be planned any moment, where there is no backstage and artists and audience are constantly mingling and hanging out at the bar, where mysterious creative outbursts can be presented that are often labeled 'too risky' elsewhere, and that still guarantees high quality by unleashing the best of The Netherlands' music scene in this creative playground – you get a free membership!

Would you rather just visit this concert without becoming a member? You're more than welcome! Buy your ticket(s) below.