Written by The 38th edition of the Music Meeting Festival is set to take place over the Pentecost weekend from May 18 to 20, 2024, in Nijmegen. Dedicated to musical encounters and exploration, this three-day festival welcomes adventurers of all ages. The program for this year includes the Australian program line ‘Endless Skies,’ featuring artists from far and wide, as well as local talents. Notable projects from guest curators Jermaine Kanbier and Tim Sprangers are also in store. Tickets are available for purchase on musicmeeting.nl.
Known for transcending styles, genres, and cultures, the adventurous Music Meeting Festival has been providing a stage for top global artists for over 35 years. Musicians rarely seen in the Netherlands, presenting new projects or unique collaborations, take center stage during this Pentecost weekend, transforming Nijmegen into a hub of musical meetings and discoveries, resonating with cultural narratives.
Focus on Australia
In December 2023, Music Meeting unveiled the first four names of the 2024 lineup once again showing it’s commitment to giving a voice to indigenous artists. Australian artist Aviva Endean, South African singer Nomfusi, Anatolian-born musician Ali Doğan Gönült and Aboriginal artist Ngulmiya are among the featured artists.
In 2024, the Music Meeting Festival turns its spotlight on Australia with the program line ‘Endless Skies.’ Despite not immediately associating with music, Australia promises a world of musical exploration. ‘Endless Skies’ symbolizes the openness, distant horizons, and boundless creativity of artists from this unique land. Festivalgoers can discover various Australian offerings each day, including the apocalyptic folk of singer-songwriter Joshua Murphy and the enchanting piano sounds of Luke Howard.
Aviva Endean, Artist in Residence | photo Max Milne
Artist in Residence: Maryana Golovchenko
Ukrainian singer Maryana Golovchenko is one of the artists in residence for 2024. Performing in various ensembles, including Trio SonCe and the Kravchenko Clees duo, Golovchenko’s pure voice harmonizes with cello, Turkish wind instruments, modular synthesizers, and vibraphone. Her collaboration with the Kravchenko Clees duo, winners of the Polish Jazz Juniors prize, showcases a unique blend of vocals and vibraphone.
Composer, violinist, and music theatre maker Saskia Venegas Aernouts embarks on a two-year development process with Music Meeting starting February 1. This initiative aims to support her artistic and business development under the festival’s guidance. Alongside lessons, study, coaching, and working visits, Venegas Aernouts will create two new productions during this period, presenting them at Music Meeting.
Saskia Venegas | Andreas Terlaak
Venturing into contemporary and classical music initially, Venegas Aernouts transitioned to become a composer a few years ago. Her participation in the New Makers Trajectory allows her to take the next steps in her creative journey and further develop her professional career. Renowned figures like David Harrington (Kronos Quartet), Jen Shyu, and Paola Prestini will coach her during this transformative process.
‘Music Meeting Festival is recognized as one of the most valuable global music events in Europe because of its unique program full of musical encounters. This is very attractive to me as a composer because a large part of my inspiration comes from studying musical parameters from other cultures.’ – Saskia Venegas Aernouts
Dutch Debuts and Special Projects
Consistent with its tradition, the Music Meeting Festival provides a platform for artists rarely or never seen in the Netherlands. The 2024 lineup includes Baiuca, the electronic sensation from Spain, SARĀB blending electro, rock, and Arabic music, and Alice in WonderBand offering traditional Balkan rhythms with body percussion. Additionally, Saskia Venegas’ composition, “The Rainbow Serpent,” will have its world premiere at the festival.
Guest Curators
Artistic director Martyna van Nieuwland collaborates with guest curators Jermaine Kanbier and Tim Sprangers to ensure a broad perspective on music developments. Kanbier introduces Ghanese Amsterdammer Bnnyhunna and Wayne Snow Zeitgeist ft, while Sprangers presents Superinca & the Galactic Green and SOFAYA: a vibrant fusion of South African jazz and Amsterdam improvisation.
SOFAYA | Photo by Eric van Nieuwland
Special Program at Lindenberg Cultuurhuis
For the first two days of the festival, on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, events will take place in Park Brakkenstein. However, for the third festival day on Monday, May 20, the organizers have something new in store. A unique indoor program will unfold at Lindenberg, offering an intimate setting for concerts and multi-disciplinary performances, enhancing the Music Meeting experience for attendees.
As the Music Meeting Festival gears up for its 38th edition, the anticipation builds for a weekend filled with musical exploration, cultural richness, and captivating performances. With its commitment to diversity and discovery, the festival remains a beacon for music enthusiasts seeking a unique and immersive experience.
For more information and tickets, visit the Music Meeting website.
Last modified: February 17, 2024
