The web of styles that the accomplished string players Matthias Bartolomey (cello) and Klemens Bittmann (violin, viola, mandola) weave in their highly diverse performances connects classical chamber music with jazz, rock and even a little pop music. Matthias Bartolomey’s classical music background is especially strong: he was hand-picked by Nikolaus Harnoncourt to be the principal cello of his ensemble Concentus musicus Wien, while Klemens Bittman brings to the duo a wealth of experience in jazz and improvised music. The legendary Harnoncourt, stunned after hearing the duo’s first performances, described their music as “...Exceptionally composed and played! I listen[ed] with suspense, surprise and excitement.”

The BartolomeyBittmann duo combine a deep affection and respect for the sound of their instruments with an intense passion for the mutual discovery of new soundscapes. Their music jumps playfully between powerful and fast-paced riffs, spontaneous improvisations and dreamy, mystical passages. The Styrian-Viennese duo is able to find a truly unique groove with their classical instruments.

The duo has been performing together since 2012 and released their first album Meridian in 2013, followed by Neubau in 2015. After a number of successful concert appearances around the world, the album Dynamo was released in 2019 – and it is music from this album that we will hear at Festival Maribor this year.