Sophie Tassignon - Aziola singt Rilke

With great musical sensitivity and an unmistakable ensemble spirit, the international quartet AZOLIA has been setting poetry to music for years—poetry that moves, shakes, and inspires hope. Following their powerful program based on poems by the British poet Wilfred Owen, the ensemble now turns its attention to a new literary voice: Rainer Maria Rilke.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the poet’s death in 2026, AZOLIA presents a new program that sets selected Rilke poems to music—delicate, airy, and deeply felt chamber music.

Belgian singer and composer Sophie Tassignon, German-American alto saxophonist, clarinetist, singer, and composer Susanne Folk, the German bass clarinetist and soprano saxophonist Lothar Ohlmeier, and the Swiss double bassist Andreas Waelti draw on a wealth of experience and a shared musical language that transcends common jazz clichés.

AZOLIA is known for its clever arrangements, transparent textures, an unmistakable sonic signature, and a deep sense of poetry. Without drums, but with plenty of space for subtle interactions, the band explores human longings, doubts, and possibilities. In their musical interpretations, Rilke’s language becomes audible anew—fragile, luminous, and full of resonance.