Amaté – Intercultural Encounters #3
The Oriental Piano
Sunday 20 September 2026 from 5.00 pm
Athénée 4 – Geneva
Workshop and Concert
Aksak rhythm workshop from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm with Bager Sen
Concert at 5.00 pm with Bager Sen and Coraline Parmentier (duration approx. 1 hour 40 minutes)
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Aksak (asymmetrical) rhythm workshop led by Bager Sen from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Even our heartbeats do not function like a perfect metronome; they are constantly reinventing themselves in response to our emotions, our breathing and our excitement. By reflecting this ‘perfect imperfection’ inherent in nature and in human beings, irregular rhythms (aksak) awaken in us a deep, ancestral sense of familiarity. In short, the aksak rhythm has the power to transform the passive listener into an active participant in the music: to complete the rhythm, the body and mind must take the plunge and step into this suspended space.
During this workshop, we will explore authentic aksak rhythms in 5-, 7- and 12-beat patterns, both practically and theoretically.
Methods used:
Dalcroze eurhythmics
Body percussion
Traditional Armenian and Kurdish dance patterns
Sacred movements
Ethnic percussion (you are welcome to bring your own instruments)
Bookings at amalthea.scene@gmail.com
Workshop fee: 20 CHF, including admission to the concert at 5.00 pm
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Workshop showcase and mantra compositions by Bager Sen, followed by a film concert by Coraline Parmentier
Kitab al Kanuz is a film concert dedicated to the cultures and heritage of the Middle East and the Maghreb. At the Athénée 4, pianist and composer Coraline Parmentier will perform on a Yamaha C7 grand piano as well as on a Turkish-style keyboard from the Yamaha PSR-5000 series, which features authentic-sounding quarter-tones, traditional drum machines and world instruments.
Following an initial performance in March 2026 as part of the FIFDH, the show ‘Kitab al Kanuz’ returns to Geneva in an expanded and enhanced version, centred around the pianist’s two Middle Eastern-inspired albums released in 2025: ‘Kitab al Kanuz’ and ‘Aswat Bahr al Mayyit’.
Coraline Parmentier
www.coralineparmentier.com
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Practical information
L’Athénée 4
Address: rue de l’Athénée 4, 1205 Geneva
Single ticket price: 10.-
Tickets available at the door (cash or Twint) from 4.30 pm. NO CARD PAYMENTS
Bookings: amalthea.scene@gmail.com
Full programme: www.association-amalthea.com
Bar and light refreshments available on site
With the support of Athénée 4, the City of Geneva and all our volunteers
