In her latest project with the NDR Bigband, Nikki Iles reflects on the limits of perfection and celebrates the spontaneous and unfinished. In this concert, as the NDR Bigband’s Composer in Residence, she explores the hyper-stylised lifestyles and the striving for perfection characteristic of our time. »If we continue on this path,« says the experienced big-band leader, »we run the risk of losing touch with reality – after all, it’s the deviations from perfection that make us human.«
»What I love about improvisation is that the so-called mistakes that happen when we take risks in the moment often turn out to be the most enlightening parts of our stories.«
Nikki Iles
The NDR Bigband is a band of soloists whose musical identities is based on their readiness to take risks. Nikki Iles has written a programme that constantly challenges these musicians to go beyond their individual limits and explore new terrain. And Iles herself also enjoyed working on the project – for the composer and arranger, »A Love of Imperfect Things« celebrates the diverse fabric of life and her own love of imperfection.
Performers
NDR Bigband
Ian Thomas drums
director Nikki Iles