This is Our Music – Artist portrait Kaja Draksler

Kaja Draksler
Featured Ensemble for Doek Festival 2018
Subtext
Thursday June 14 – Splendor

Kaja Draksler has quickly blossomed into one of the most in demand pianists in Europe. Stemming from Slovenia, she made her home in Amsterdam after studies at the Prins Claus Conservatorium in Groningen. Aside from possessing virtuosic technique and stellar listening capabilities, her studious nature has allowed her to glean a great understanding of jazz and “classical” form and harmony, with a healthy sense of folk music as a kicker. She is a gifted composer which is most apparent in her Octet which has been performing throughout Europe. Other ensembles of hers include Feecho, Hearth, Duo Santos Silva / Draksler, to name just a few. Kaja is also highly regarded as a solo performer.
In 2015 Kaja Draksler was awarded the Young VIP tour. It was recently announced that Kaja will be receiving the Paul Acket Award at this year’s North Sea Jazz Festival. A truly international award, previous recipients include some of the most critically acclaimed musicians worldwide, including Craig Taborn, Ambrose Akinmusire and Donny McCaslin.

Subtext

• Kaja Draksler, Marta Warelis piano; Lily Kiara, Michael Schumacher dance

The physical discourse of shaping space in real and imagined time.

This quartet started working and performing together in 2017. They met that year during the Doek Festival, in workshops and performances with improvised dance and music, and found common receptivities and curiosities.