Ensemble

Bridge of Sound

An ensemble combining Western and Eastern instruments, from duo to chamber orchestra depending on the project.

History and origins

In 1819 Goethe published his “West-Eastern Divan”, a collection of poems reflecting his conviction that different cultures can meet and understand one another across borders. Inspired by it, the German-Azerbaijani composer, musicologist and organist Dr. Khadija Zeynalova founded the Bridge of Sound Ensemble in 2017.

The first concert took place on 26 September 2017 at Theater Gütersloh. Since then the ensemble has performed in East Westphalia-Lippe, across Germany and abroad.

The ensemble is not a fixed orchestra: for each project, musicians come together in changing line-ups, from duo to chamber orchestra. It combines Western instruments such as organ, viola, cello, violin and piano with Eastern ones such as the tar and saz/baglama (long-necked lutes).

Three core themes

Interculturality

Different musical cultures meet as equals. Western and Eastern sound worlds, instruments and traditions complement and inspire one another, without one overshadowing the other.

Internationality

Music knows no borders. The ensemble works with musicians of different origins and takes its programmes beyond East Westphalia-Lippe, across Germany and abroad.