What happens when a classically trained church musician and a saxophonist who plays rock and jazz come together? You can experience the answer to this question at this year's organ festival on Whit Saturday in Mechow. The long-standing musical friendship between Ralf Benschu (sax) and KMD Jens Goldhardt (organ) has taken away one's fear of Bach, while the other has found the joy of improvising. Their program "through the wind" features music by early and contemporary composers as well as chorale improvisations and their own works.
Ralf Benschu studied saxophone and clarinet at the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music in Berlin. From 1990-2008 he was a permanent member of the group "Keimzeit"; he works in smaller ensembles with guitar, accordion or harp and founded the BenSchu saxophone quartet in 2022.
Jens Goldhardt studied church music in Eisenach and Halle and graduated with honors in organ performance. After a position in Sondershausen, he has been working as a church musician in Gotha since 2007. He performs in various chamber music ensembles and as a soloist.
The musicians have recorded several CDs as the duo "Orgelsax". Their regular collaboration with Gerhard Schöne takes them to concerts across the country and is also documented on CDs.
The traditional organ festival begins at 4 p.m. with the musical part, followed by a cozy get-together in the churchyard with food and drink. contributions to the buffet are welcome. Donations are requested to make this festive afternoon possible.
