When Covid-19 struck in March 2020, bandleader and composer Ruud Voesten used themandatory free time to delve into one of the world’s most famous literary works from the Middle Ages: Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. In this frst part of the Divine Comedy, Dante explores his own humanity, his society, and his position in it by descending through the nine circles of hell. With Inferno as a guide and the lockdown as a catalyst, Ruud explored his own personal connection to the deadly sins. Refecting on themes such as lust, anger, and betrayal brought forth a wide range of connections, motifs, and emotions, which he translated into music.
Building on the success of their Inferno-inspired album, Ambrosia is now poised to release their long-awaited follow-up album, based on the second part of Dante’s Divine Comedy: Purgatorio. This new album, scheduled for release in late 2025, promises to be a moving musical journey through the seven terraces of Mount Purgatory.
The upcoming album showcases Ambrosia’s evolution as a band, blending their signature
contemporary jazz sound with elements from contemporary classical and electronic music.
Voesten’s compositions are characterized by complex rhythmic structures and harmonic
progressions that embody the climb of Mount Purgatory.
Each composition corresponds to one of the seven deadly sins, thus reflecting the structure of Purgatorio. The music moves from dark, introspective pieces representing pride and envy to more uplifting, ethereal compositions symbolising the ascent to paradise.
The band’s improvisational talent is showcased in extended passages that give each musician the space to interpret the emotional landscape of Dante’s poem.
In preparation of their recording dates Ambrosia will play a try out concert of the new material.
Line up:
Mo van der Does – Alto saxophone
Wietse Voermans – Tenor saxophone
Koen Schalkwijk – Piano + synthesizer
Tijs Klaassen – Double bass
Ruud Voesten – Drums + composition
Event Venue
Pieter de Hoochweg 108, 3024BH Rotterdam, Netherlands, Pieter de Hoochweg 108, 3024 BH Rotterdam, Nederland,Rotterdam, Netherlands
Tickets
