Benjamin Schaefer: rhizome 2026

In Benjamin Schaefer’s new concert series “rhizome,” musical traditions from around the world meet the improvisational spirit of jazz. Common ground is discovered, bridges are built, and new musical roots are established. From 2019 to 2025, Benjamin Schaefer’s “open.fundus” concert series at the Hanseatische Materialverwaltung, together with a rotating cast of guest musicians, he initially explored the musical heritage of the city of Hamburg, before the series’ focus increasingly shifted toward the international exchange of musical traditions that has been taking place for many centuries through Hamburg, the “Gateway to the World.” Thus, works from Mexico, Iran, Great Britain, and the Portuguese-speaking world were performed. The new “rhizome” series picks up where this left off and further expands on the underlying idea of fostering connections.