Sophie Hassfurther – Kaleidoscope

The octet Kaleidoscope, led by Viennese saxophonist and composer Sophie Hassfurther, presents its debut album Empathy. Formed in 2024, this ensemble brings together eight musicians who blend diverse musical perspectives into a unique sound. Inspired by Maurice Ravel and Gil Evans, the music combines the agility of a chamber ensemble with the sonic richness of a big band. Solo and duo passages grow into orchestral density, while clear compositional structures leave room for improvisation and the unexpected.

At the heart of the album is the question of how empathy can be experienced musically—through listening, reacting, and the interplay of different voices. Among the featured musicians are Markus Harm (saxophone), Susanna Gartmayer (bass clarinet), and Mareike Wiening (drums). The result is music that exists between jazz and contemporary composition, merging precise architecture with openness.