Loek van den Berg Quintet: Skyfarer

Dutch saxophonist and composer Loek van den Berg brings his acclaimed jazz quintet to LantarenVenster in Rotterdam on Sunday 21 February 2027. Presenting music from his third album, Skyfarer, the ensemble combines warm, lyrical melodies with adventurous improvisation and influences from musical traditions around the world.

Since forming in 2019, the Loek van den Berg Quintet have developed a distinctive approach to contemporary jazz, built around expressive compositions and a strong musical connection between the five performers. Their concerts balance carefully crafted melodies with spontaneous improvisation, allowing each musician to contribute their own ideas.

The quintet's debut album, Wayfarer, won an Edison Jazz Award in the Newcomer National category. Their second album, Seafarer, continued the group's exploration of melodic jazz and musical storytelling.

A new musical journey with Skyfarer

On Skyfarer, Van den Berg builds on the musical themes introduced in his previous recordings. Recurring motifs create connections between the three albums, while new compositions explore personal experiences, emotions and the freedom of living in the moment.

Alongside his alto saxophone, Van den Berg introduces the Armenian duduk, a traditional woodwind instrument known for its warm, expressive sound. Combined with trombone, piano, double bass and drums, the instrument adds another dimension to the quintet's rich musical arrangements.

The result is contemporary jazz that moves between reflective, melancholic passages and lively collective improvisation, with plenty of room for unexpected musical developments.

Musicians

• Loek van den Berg: alto saxophone and duduk
• Nathan Surquin: trombone
• Aseo Friesacher: piano and vocals
• Cas Jiskoot: double bass
• Martin Hafizi: drums

Tickets and practical information

The Loek van den Berg Quintet perform at LantarenVenster, Otto Reuchlinweg 996, Rotterdam, on Sunday 21 February 2027 at 15:30.

Tickets cost €20, including €3 in service charges. This is a seated concert with unreserved seating.

For tickets and further information, visit the official LantarenVenster event page.