Looking back at out very first edition, we can proudly say that during these five days of sonic enchantment, these birds dared to fly and leave the comfort of the nest. New sounds were created, fresh perspectives originated and a feeling of early kinship and connection arose in the rooms of TivoliVredenburg. We can certainly say that Birds of Paradise will be back soon for a new edition, but until that time has come, we will revive our first festival together with you. Ready to land again in Utrecht when you are!

Video: Seven Arne Halsema

There’s plenty to see here, even a peek inside the first instruments that left a big compositionary part to coincidence. Also a playlist and words by MILYMA, who will have a big role in the performance. Have fun peeking around, see you on wednesday at Birds of Paradise Festival 2022!

Actress feat. MILYMA

It’s hard to pin down Darren Cunningham: every move the musician makes as Actress is a completely unexpected one. Whether he changes timbre and colour completely, or reaches heights of a satellite in just a whim: the Briton always proves to be prolific in delivering innovative sonical work. Together with Swiss R&B singer, producer and composer Milyma, Actress will create a whole new set of musical textures and compositions for Birds of Paradise Festival 2022.

They might sound as organic as Cunninghams latest offering Karma & Desire (2020), but they will be in fact partly generated by the do it yourself-AI programme Young Paint, enriched by the piano treatments of Milyma. Be prepared for a flight onto duality, fluid but completing energies and mental processing systems – all filled with unexpected turns, sudden whirlwinds and thrilling landings.

Stay tuned: our last name will be announced next tuesday, 12:00 pm sharp!

The first announced name for Birds of Paradise 2022 is Thomas Azier ft. Obi Blanche & vocal ensemble (10. March). Together with the Finnish guitarist/producer Obi Blanche, and accompanied by saxophonist Maarten Hogenhuis (BRUUT!), drummer Simon Segers (De Beren Gieren) and a vocal ensemble, Azier is developing a brand new production entitled Glossolalia (speaking in tongues). On 12. March the American vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth will make its appearance in TivoliVredenburg. With two modern music classics by David Lang and Caroline Shaw and eight pairs of vocal chords, the collective will impress with extraordinary harmony vocals. On the closing day (13. March), Birds of Paradise will present the world premiere of an interdisciplinary show by REDO x Binkbeats x Dominique: A new dawn, for new tomorrows. With star dancer REDO and his breaksquad, Binkbeats and Dominique on percussion/electronics and brand new tracks by Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Deantoni Parks (The Mars Volta) and Hanna Benn, which were written especially for this production. And although the future seems more uncertain than ever before, in A new dawn these brave souls dare to embrace the unknown: with each new day, in search of new destinations.

Birds of Paradise is a five-day quest at the verge of indie pop, EDM and contemporary classical music: both live and online. A fusion of genres and disciplines, special collaboration and world premieres, presenting us new musical horizons and one-off productions that have never been seen before on any Dutch stage.

The other two artists for Birds of Paradise 2022 will be announced soon. Tickets are available from 20. January at www.birds-of-paradise.nl and www.tivolivredenburg.nl.

In 2022, the first batch of Birds of Paradise will land in Utrecht for five days of sonical enchantment. For real: these artists are different from the rest. For Birds of Paradise Festival, a carefully curated selection of known talents will develop unique, out-of-the-ordinary live experiences on the crossroads of indie pop, electronic and contemporary classical music. Their drift for unknown territories, personal connection to socially urgent themes and – not in the least – their discerned, multi-layered musical qualities as composers, performers, dancers and/or singers will be highlighted during Birds of Paradise 2022. Fly out with the artists this March in TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht.

Tickets for the first Birds of Paradise festival will be available from January 19. More updates on the festival, line-up and tickets will follow very soon.

Teaser, click here