The best way to truly get to know someone is by sharing a meal and making music together. When you taste what the other tastes or listen to the music they enjoy, when you dance to each other’s rhythms with curiosity and openness, you grow closer. By discovering each other’s stories and histories, you begin to understand one another more easily—or at least take the first steps toward deeper understanding. Whether someone lives nearby or comes from far away, we are the other.
Martin Fondse and Syrian oud player and singer Jawa Manla have a history of collaboration. Together, they performed in the acclaimed production Stille Nacht am Silbersee, a musical pilgrimage with actress Ariane Schluter. More recently, their paths crossed again in the program Neo Roots, where Jawa’s Arabic maqams (scales) met Martin’s Western harmonies. Performed both as a small ensemble and with an orchestra, this musical exchange celebrated the blending of traditions. The ensemble’s chords and rhythmic structures embraced Jawa’s soulful voice, creating a space where everyone could remain true to themselves.
This is the essence of Kitchen Stories: the individual merges with the collective without losing their identity. This is what musical connection is all about.
Line-up
- Martin Fondse – piano, electronics
- Jawa Manla – oud, vocals
- Lucas Dols – double bass
- Felix Schlarmann – drums
- Modar Salama – percussion
Optional: Includes dinner/gastronomic arrangement