Marie Spaemann + Christian Bakanic

When Marie Spaemann (cello and vocals) and Christian Bakanic (accordion) perform together, the encounter of their different influences becomes an immediately touching experience for the audience: soul and jazz, classical music, tango nuevo, and world music come together and merge into refreshing original compositions, songs, and exciting reinterpretations, delivered with the ease of true virtuosos.

From atmospheric sound colors to groovy basslines and percussive elements, Spaemann and Bakanic continually explore the possibilities of their instruments. Bakanic's breathtaking improvisations and Marie Spaemann's singing create a density and urgency that resonates deeply.

The new program "Splits & Circles" tells stories of divisions—what happens when political issues tear a family apart, when a young mother must leave her country, or when the search for one's own identity initially leads to alienation. It also speaks of the ever-comforting vastness of nature, of circles that close, of coming together, and of allowing each other to be. It raises the question of whether the growing self-optimization hype in the West might actually lead to more individual and, consequently, societal peace.

The simultaneity of these opposites fascinates Spaemann and Bakanic, as does the diversity of their musically different influences. Whether within a soulful pop number or a tango-influenced instrumental piece, the two musicians are intrigued by the many sound colors that can be coaxed from the cello and accordion. They engage in a playful interplay between chamber music and produced pieces, where the live vibe is never lost, yet a pop song can still be a pop song.

Websites:
https://www.christianbakanic.com/projects/
https://mariespaemann.com/