Flat Earth Society

The most unreliable music since 1999

Taking Belgian whimsy to a logical, irresistible extreme, Flat Earth Society straddles the border between multi-color surrealism and savvy skill with striking ease. Speaking of borders: Flat Earth Society is the ultimate international ambassador for this peculiar kind of Belgian eccentricity, with memorable performances all over the globe. Since composer, reed player, producer and de facto bandleader Peter Vermeersch founded the orchestra in the late 90’s, it has become one of the most productive and thrilling bands of its kind, with an endless list of genre-defying projects, enterprises delving into (silent) film, theatre and opera, and a wide range of albums to its credit.

Perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the band is being led by a trained architect, as the gang’s enviable command of form and freedom betrays a thorough knowledge of structural possibilities. Working with sheet music and tight arrangements, as well as alarming amounts of freedom and unpredictability, this 15-headed juggernaut effortlessly switches from one style and temperament to another. Not to prove that it can, but because the possibilities are just too good to ignore. The generosity that is at the heart of Flat Earth Society will satisfy those looking for an XL-shot of adrenalin and its proudly upheld ‘unreliability’.

While Flat Earth Society’s compositions and arrangements betray an expert knowledge of 20th century traditions - from various jazz branches to rock, exotica and contemporary music - it starts from a decidedly 21st century spirit, looking forward and creating a body of work that is as large and multi-layered as it is instantly recognisable. Quick-witted, effortlessly eccentric and always on the lookout for new and exciting challenges, Flat Earth Society is that rare beast: a constantly evolving orchestra that keeps shedding its skin and thrives best live. On welcoming, adventurous stages this band really explodes, something its many guests - from Jimi Tenor and John Watts to Ernst Reijseger and Uri Caine - can attest to.

Festivals: AMR Jazz Festival, Geneva (2021), Modulus Festival, Vancouver (2019), Earshot Jazz Festival, Seattle (2019), Mama Jazz Festival, Vilnius (2019), Belgrade Jazz Festival (2019), Jazz & The City, Salzburg (2019), Moers Music / Moers Festival (2019, 2005), Ciclo Nova, Bogota, Medellin & Bucaramanga (2018), Zappanale, Bad Doberan (2018), Vancouver International Jazz Festival (2016, 2007, 2006), Rochester International Jazz Festival (2016, 2014), Ottawa International Jazz Festival (2016, 2014), Blue Note Festival / Ghent Jazz (2016, 2008, 2003), Strange Music Festival, Saõ Paulo & Rio de Janeiro (2015), Festival Músicas do Mundo, Sines (2015, 2008), Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige, Bolzano (2015), Tokyo Jazz Festival (2014), Bath Music Festival (2013), Jazz Middelheim, Antwerp (2012, 2009, 2003), North Sea Jazz Festival (2012, 2008, 2006), Tropical Heatwave, Tampa (2011), Festival Jazz Jantar, Klub Zak, Gdansk (2011), International Jazz Festival Nisville (2010), Skopje Jazz Festival (2010), Sziget Festival, Budapest (2010), Vossa Jazz, Vossevangen (2010), Brighton Festival (2009), Europa Jazz Festival, Le Mans (2009), Jazz Festival Montreux (2009), Festival de las Artes de Naucalpan, Mexico City (2008), Dour Festival (2008), Jazz à Luz, Luz-Saint-Sauveur (2008), Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (2007), Jazzfestival Saalfelden (2007), London Jazz Festival (2007), JazzFest Berlin (2006), Pordenone Silent Film Festival (2006), Ruhrtriennale (2003) a.o.

Venues: REDCAT/Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles (2019), AFI Silver Theatre, Washington (2019), Freight and Salvage, Berkeley (2019), La Usina Del Arte, Buenos Aires (2018), Bimhuis, Amsterdam (2018, 2015, 2008), Domicil, Dortmund (2016, 2003), La Sala Rossa, Montreal (2016), Le Poisson Rouge, New York (2014), Lincoln Center, New York (2011), Museum of Moving Image, New York (2011), Kennedy Center, Washington (2011), Ars Musica Workshop presents in Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia (2011), Muziekgebouw aan het IJ, Amsterdam (2010), Trafó, Budapest (2010, 2005), Philharmonie Luxembourg (2008), Hiroshima mon amour, Wiener Konzerthaus (2006), O-East, Tokyo (2006), Big Cat, Osaka (2006), Taku Taku, Kyoto (2006), Torino (2004), Rohstofflager, Zürich (2004), Paradiso, Amsterdam (2004), Elysée Montmartre, Paris (2004), Astoria, London (2004) a.o.