zamus: impro lab | Improvisation in Early Music
From 18 November to 18 November
From 20 January to 20 January
From 17 February to 17 February
From 20 March to 20 March
From 21 April to 21 April
Germany /
Cologne
A workshop series for early music musicians, courageous individuals, and sound researchers.
What does early music sound like when we create it in the moment? What freedoms does improvisation offer, and how can we connect it with historical performance practice?
zamus: impro lab invites musicians from the early music scene to discover, explore, and develop improvisational approaches together. Each session is a laboratory: open to experimentation, exchange, and the joy of playing.
Team
Suzana Mendes, Martin Erhardt, and others
Program
In alternating guided and self-organized sessions, space is created for diverse experiences: beginners can take their first steps into free playing, while experienced improvisers can expand and deepen their practice—all in a relaxed and appreciative atmosphere.
The series culminates in a performance at the historical dance ball as part of the zamus: early music festival in May 2026: a collaborative live improvisation project that accompanies dancers and literally sets early music in motion.
Dates
What does early music sound like when we create it in the moment? What freedoms does improvisation offer, and how can we connect it with historical performance practice?
zamus: impro lab invites musicians from the early music scene to discover, explore, and develop improvisational approaches together. Each session is a laboratory: open to experimentation, exchange, and the joy of playing.
Team
Suzana Mendes, Martin Erhardt, and others
Program
In alternating guided and self-organized sessions, space is created for diverse experiences: beginners can take their first steps into free playing, while experienced improvisers can expand and deepen their practice—all in a relaxed and appreciative atmosphere.
The series culminates in a performance at the historical dance ball as part of the zamus: early music festival in May 2026: a collaborative live improvisation project that accompanies dancers and literally sets early music in motion.
Dates
- November 18, 2025 – Self-Organized Lab
- January 20, 2026 – Workshop with Robert de Bree
- February 17, 2026 – Self-Organized Lab
- March 20, 2026 – Workshop with Suzana Mendes
- April 21, 2026 – Self-Organized Lab
- May 23, 2026 – Dress Rehearsal with Martin Erhardt (time & place TBD)
- May 24, 2026 – Dance Ball Performance at zamus: early music festival with Martin Erhardt (time & place TBD)
Who is it for?
Early music students, musicians interested in early music and improvisation
Open to all instruments and experience levels
Curiosity, a spirit of experimentation, and active participation are welcome!
Participation fee
€40 / €55 / €70
For all dates – everyone chooses according to their own assessment and financial means.
(The contribution help us cover fees, venue costs, and organization.)
Image by Sonja Werner
Early music students, musicians interested in early music and improvisation
Open to all instruments and experience levels
Curiosity, a spirit of experimentation, and active participation are welcome!
Participation fee
€40 / €55 / €70
For all dates – everyone chooses according to their own assessment and financial means.
(The contribution help us cover fees, venue costs, and organization.)
Image by Sonja Werner
