Federico Albanese

Italian artist, producer, pianist and composer Federico Albanese presents with Blackbirds And The Sun Of October his fifth studio album, which was inspired by – and entirely written and recorded in – Albanese’s home region of Monferrato in Northern Italy. “It’s an album about coming home, and reconnection,” he says. “Above all, about heritage.”

After an early childhood playing piano, he became interested in jazz, picking up the clarinet, before a teenage fascination with punk rock bands led to him learning bass guitar. Later still, he devoured the new-age music of the late 90s, immersing himself in the works of artists such as Brian Eno and William Basinski.

Albanese moved from Italy to Berlin and recorded four albums over eight years, each with a specific theme and each loved by critics and fans alike. But for Blackbirds And The Sun Of October he felt a change was required, both thematically and geographically. “I started my whole career in Berlin, my children were born there, and I have a deep connection with all that, but it will never be my home” he says. “And as beautiful as Berlin can be – it's a very beautiful city – it's a different kind of beauty to Monferrato. The northern Italian countryside in the fall is a whole different story.”

His previous albums often explored themes of memory, inner worlds, and imaginary landscapes, with each album having a distinct, thematic focus. In contrast, Blackbirds And The Sun Of October draws directly from the physical world around him – the history, nature, and beauty. That freedom – and the reflection of his heritage and his return to his roots – also led him to employ a rich tapestry of musical influences, blending classical music with more contemporary sounds.

Tuesday, April 8
Kuppelhalle
Doors: 7 pm / Start: 8 pm
Tickets

The concert is for ages 16 and up / under 16 only when accompanied by a legal guardian / no entry for children under 6 years old.