Benjamin Herman's European Alto Festival is and remains an ode to Piet Noordijk, the legendary alto saxophonist whose vibrant tone made him one of the trendsetters of Dutch jazz, from Rotterdam pubs to the Metropole Orchestra. With this festival at Bimhuis, Herman continues his personal mission: to introduce the Dutch audience to international alto sax heroes.
Irene Reig and Rachael Cohen
This year, two of Herman's favorite alto saxophonists take center stage once again: the Spanish Irene Reig and the Scottish Rachael Cohen. Together, they showcase the rich sound and expressive power of the alto saxophone, accompanied by a rhythm section featuring Miguel Rodriguez on piano, Veerle van der Wal on double bass, and Alexia Harpa on drums. Herman's love for international exchange and for all kinds of jazz aligns seamlessly with what the Alto Festival aims for: a platform for musical craftsmanship and virtuosity beyond our borders.