Choral singing may be en vogue again—it’s hailed as an antidote to social isolation. In short: it brings joy. The same could be said for playing in orchestras or big bands—yet these ensembles are still often saddled with a dated image. Which is odd, given that this city in particular boasts several collectives known for their progressive and even avant-garde sound: from the Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra to the Splitter Orchestra.
The ensemble that comes closest to the spirit of a big band is the Magnetic Ghost Orchestra, led by Moritz Sembritzki. Their new album, Holding On To Wonder, does just what the title suggests: it invites awe.
The songs drift playfully between jagged contemporary jazz and whimsical indietronica, as scrappy abrasiveness rubs against lush, Minnie Riperton–style soul. Despite the soundtrack-like quality of the arrangements, the ensemble has created a multi-layered musical surprise bag—filled with the unexpected. At its core, the album illustrates conflicting emotional states.
The narrative arc—rendered into sung text by librettist Alexia Penigüe—depicts an exchange between a young writer and an older painter. It explores the joys and pitfalls of creative work: how to find one’s »sweet spot«—but also how to handle envy.
