'EUROPALIA Romania' in London: Alex Simu Quintet

Clarinettist Alex Simu creates atmospheric music from his vision of Bucharest. Folk sounds, Ottoman influence, allusions to 'Little Paris' (as interbellum Bucharest was known), war, communism and modern life go into the mix, blended in the idiom of jazz. An award-winning film composer, Alex, with his quintet, paints cinematic landscapes which include fragments by Enescu and 17th century Moldavian statesman and composer Cantemir.

Adventurous and stunningly beautiful.” MixedWorldMusic

Alex Simu is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed clarinettist, saxophonist, and composer. Born in Romania, Simu followed a music education from a young age. In pursuit of an international music career, he moved to the Netherlands at age 22, where he began his studies at the Prins Claus Conservatory in Groningen, obtaining a Bachelor degree in Jazz Saxophone, followed by a Masters degree from the Amsterdam Conservatory.

Active on the jazz and world music scene since 1999, Alex Simu performed and toured professionally in 41 countries over 5 continents, and shared the stage with important figures such as Alvin Queen, Brian Lynch, Benny Golson, Bennie Wallace, Peter Herbolzheimer, Mari Boine, Jorge Reyes, Naseer Shamma, Ghalia Benali, Aynur Dogan, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, and many others.

The first two albums of his co-founded Dutch-based quartet Arifa were awarded the Best World Music Release of the year in the Netherlands, and distinguished with 5 stars by various publications. In 2017, Alex Simu released ‘Echoes of Bucharest’, his debut album as a band leader together with his quintet. The release at Bimhuis in Amsterdam was highly received by the national press.

Also a film music composer, Alex Simu has worked since 2010 on a great number of award-winning international film productions. In 2016, he was awarded with the Golden Calf by the Dutch Film Academy for the Best Music of Beyond Sleep (2016).

Alex Simu joinsforces with masterful musicians Franz von Chossy – piano, George Dumitriu – viola & guitar, Mattia Magatelli – double bass, and Kristijan Krajncan – drums.

When: Friday 6 December; Doors open at 19.15, music starts 19.45;
Where: St James’s Church, Sussex Gardens, London W2 3UD;

Tickets: £15, £17.50 in advance (plus booking fee) from www.kazum.co.uk

This concert is part of 'EUROPALIA Arts Festival Romania' in London. Click here for the full programme.The concerts are produced by Kazum in partnership with EUROPALIA Arts Festival and the Romanian Cultural Institute.