Köln Concert 50

kolnconcert50.com

Internationally acclaimed jazz pianist, Dorian Ford, fuses Jarrett’s brilliant original with his own improvisations.

Not just a re-enactment but a living tribute.

“Ford was not merely playing the piano; he was telling a story, channelling the spirit of Jarrett while infusing his own unique flair.” Performance China. Edinburgh Festival August 2024.

The Köln Concert took place at the Cologne Opera House on Friday 24 January 1975.

The concert nearly didn’t happen.

17-year-old schoolgirl, Vera Brandes, produced the sellout concert. Instead of the Bösendorfer concert grand requested, a rehearsal piano was on stage. It was out of tune and the pedals stuck. Exhausted, hungry, and suffering from back pain, Jarrett threatened to cancel the performance.

Astonishingly, Vera Brandes persuaded him to change his mind.

The rest is history.

The live recording remains the bestselling solo piano album of all time.

Dorian Ford, like Jarrett, initially studied classical piano. The discovery of Keith Jarrett's work, with its seamless blend of jazz improvisation and classical discipline proved a turning point. Dorian went on to study at Berklee College of Music where he was awarded the prestigious Chick Corea Jazz Masters Award not once, but twice.

Dorian plays regularly in London venues including Ronnie Scott’s and Wigmore Hall, as well as touring internationally, most recently in Australia and Japan. His music has been featured in films, TV and radio

‘Ford’s effortless command of the piano was evident throughout the performance.’
Performance China. Edinburgh Festival August 2024

‘It is gratifying to see a pianist of Dorianʼs calibre present the heart and soul of the music so eloquently and so authentically.ʼ
Ronnie Scott

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Christuskirche am Stadtgarten, Dorothee-Sölle-Platz 5, Köln, Germany