Nik Bärtsch Ronin

Swiss pianist and composer Nik Bärtsch returns to LantarenVenster with Ronin, his long-running group known for tightly woven rhythm, reduction and what he calls “zen-funk”. With Ronin, Bärtsch has released nine albums, including six on ECM, building a sound that is both precise and strangely hypnotic.

Bärtsch has been described as “the scientist of groove”, and honestly, that fits. His music is built from repetition, small shifts and interlocking patterns, but it never feels cold. It has movement, tension and a quiet physical pull, shaped partly by his interest in Japan, philosophy and the relationship between music and body.

Together with drummer Kaspar Rast, Bärtsch has also explored the link between musical rhythm and movement through workshops involving practices such as aikido and Gyrotonic. That sense of control, flow and focus runs through Ronin’s music.

Details
Event: Nik Bärtsch Ronin
Date: Friday 30 April 2027
Start: 20:30
Location: LantarenVenster, Rotterdam
Tickets: €29, including €3 service costs
Seating: Seated concert, free seating
Music: Jazz, minimal music and zen-funk

Line-up
Sha, alto saxophone, bass clarinet and contrabass clarinet
Nik Bärtsch, piano
Jeremias Keller, bass guitar
Kaspar Rast, drums