Atelier for Music, Visual Arts & Creative Exchange
UPCOMING EVENTS
CONCERT - ONLY SHOW IN SWITZERLAND!
SUN 1. June 2025
Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble - Celebrating a Half Century of Great Black Music!
DJ Set by Karmasound
Concert
DJ Set
Kids Friendly
Homemade Food
Program
17:00 Welcome DJ Set by Damián Botigué aka Karmasound
19:00 Concert
20:30 Family Picture
20:30 - 22:00 Another DJ Set by Damián Botigué aka Karmasound
50th Anniversary Celebration Tour: “Open Me: A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit”
Kahil El’Zabar has been one of the deepest and most forward-thinking artists from Chicago’s renowned improvised music scene for many years. As a long-time member of the groundbreaking Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) – an influential collective founded in 1965 to support avant-garde African-American musicians – El’Zabar created the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble in 1974. His vision was to explore the connections between African-American music, like jazz, and traditional African rhythms and instrumentation. Touring frequently throughout Europe and the United States, the group quickly earned a global reputation for its powerful and transformative performances.
Today, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble features trumpeter Corey Wilkes, tenor saxophonist Kevin Nabors, cellist Ishmael Ali, and the charismatic Kahil El’Zabar himself on drum set, hand percussion, kalimba, and soulful vocalizations.
The Ensemble is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with the acclaimed album “Open Me: A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit” (Spiritmuse Records, released March 8, 2024) and an extensive world tour. The album features a combination of El’Zabar’s original compositions and new interpretations of classics by Miles Davis and McCoy Tyner, enriched by the ensemble’s expanded instrumentation.
Their only concert in Switzerland will take place on June 1, 2025 at EMOH LEEF – a truly rare opportunity to experience this star, this icon, this phenomenon up close and personal. Meet and connect with Kahil El’Zabar in an intimate and unforgettable setting!
Damián Botigué aka Karmasound from Barcelona – brings his unique fusion of soulful rhythms, broken beat, and Latin-infused grooves to the floor. Expect deep vibes and irresistible energy – he’ll make us dance, no question.
An event not to be missed! Reserve your tickets early - space is limited.
Masterclass with Kahil on Monday, 2nd June - check it out!
WORKSHOP
MON 2. June 2025
Exclusive Workshop: Kahil El’Zabar’s Soundscapes – A Journey into Rhythm and Spirit
Masterclass
Program
18:00 Doors open
18:30 Masterclass
20:30 Family Picture
EHE Infinity Music Workshop with Kahil El’Zabar
An immersive experience in rhythm, spirit and connection
Following his exclusive concert in Neuchâtel, the legendary Kahil El’Zabar and his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (Chicago, US) invite you to a rare and powerful musical experience at EMOH LEEF: the Infinity Music Workshop.
A percussionist, composer, poet and educator, Kahil El’Zabar is a central figure in Afrocentric spiritual jazz. He has collaborated with icons such as Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Nina Simone, Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp and David Murray.
A workshop like no other
Developed with the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, this workshop goes far beyond the format of a traditional masterclass. It’s a deep dive into music as a living, collective practice – rooted in rhythm, presence and human connection.
Three core sessions structure the Workshop:
Masterclass on rhythm, ensemble work and active listening
Guided group exercises with creative instructions and improvisation
Open JAM inviting full participation and audience interaction
Inspired by Soundpainting, a real-time composing language by Walter Thompson, the workshop fosters instant creativity, musical responsiveness and interdisciplinary exchange. It welcomes musicians, singers, dancers and performers into a collective creation space shaped by directed improvisation.
Who is it for?
Everyone. Whether you’re a musician, a vocalist, a percussionist or simply curious – this workshop is open to all, with no technical background required.
Bring your own instrument and your willingness to be present, to listen, to feel and to connect.
A meaningful transmission
The Infinity Music Workshop offers a space of artistic rigour and deep humanity. Through a blend of intuitive pedagogy, spirituality and personal expression, participants gain confidence, musical presence and a new sense of artistic freedom.
This shared creative process goes beyond technical learning – it opens a space for transformation, resonance and meaningful encounter.
Solidarity pricing & registration
To keep the experience accessible while honouring the work involved, we offer solidarity-based pricing. There is a very reduced rate available for youth and emerging artists.
Places are limited. Advance registration is highly recommended.
New Series: Women in HiFi
SAT 7. June 2025
A first glimpse of the upcoming Women in HiFi series: A Conversation between Prof. Joseph Tarradellas (EPFL Lausanne) & Marguerite Kudelski (Nagra)
Plus Surprise Guest Performers - stay tuned!
Talks
Performance
DJ Set
Kids Friendly
Homemade Food
Program
17:00 Welcome Set by Surprise DJ
18:00 Talk Prof. Tarradellas & Marguerite Kudelski
19:00 Surprise Performance
20:00 Family Picture
20:00 - 22:00 Another Set by Surprise DJ
With Women in HiFi, EMOH LEEF launches a new event series dedicated to making women visible in the technical fields of music production, audio engineering, and sound sciences — where women remain underrepresented.
The Opening Conversation brings together two unique voices:
Prof. Joseph Tarradellas, Professor Emeritus at EPFL Lausanne, offers insights into the history of women in sound industries — from early pioneers to contemporary innovators. He recently published a comprehensive study on the role of women in the evolution of sound technologies, bringing to light many forgotten contributions. In dialogue with Marguerite Kudelski, member of the founding family behind Nagra, they reflect on achievements, barriers, and future perspectives for women in the audio world.
Nagra, founded in Switzerland in 1951, is a world-renowned company specializing in high-precision portable audio recorders and advanced audio technology. Nagra’s iconic devices have shaped the history of sound recording in film, music, and broadcasting. Marguerite Kudelski will bring selected devices to the event, offering a tangible glimpse into the company’s technical legacy.
Following the conversation, a live performance by a female artist on analog synthesizers will offer an immersive sonic experience, celebrating the creative and technical artistry that Women in HiFi stands for.
The event will preview the Women in HiFi series, officially launching in autumn 2025. The program will include talks, masterclasses, workshops, showcases, and excursions. Guests will include leading mastering engineers, producers, sound artists, and innovators from Switzerland and beyond.
Hands-on sessions — from live beatmaking to sound design workshops — and visits to key audio venues such as the Swiss Museum and Centre for Electronic Music Instruments (SMEM) and PSI Audio will explore the intersection of technology, craftsmanship, and creativity.
Stay tuned for the next events of this series!
CONCERT
SAT 5. July 2025
Ana Malta & Oscar Aldama Duo - Timeless Bossa Nova & Brazilian Jazz at Its Finest
Concert
DJ Set
Kids Friendly
Homemade Food
Program
17:00 Welcome DJ Set
19:00 Concert
20:30 Family Picture
20:30 - 22:00 Another DJ Set
Brazilian Voice & Piano – A Journey Through Rhythm and Emotion
Immerse yourself in a rich and soulful concert blending Brazilian vocal artistry and Afro-Cuban piano traditions. The duo of Ana Malta (Brazil) and Oscar Aldama (Cuba) brings together two vibrant musical cultures in an intimate performance full of rhythm, nuance and spontaneity.
With a focus on the voice as an instrument, Ana explores the depths of Brazilian genres such as Baião and Samba, reinterpreting them through vocal improvisation, rhythmic phrasing and emotional storytelling. Oscar complements this with a dynamic piano approach that draws on jazz and Cuban influences, creating a refined and deeply expressive musical dialogue.
Through original arrangements, spontaneous interplay and fresh takes on Brazilian classics, the duo invites the audience on a journey that is at once lyrical, rhythmic and bold – a celebration of musical freedom and cultural connection.
MASTERCLASS
SUN 6. July 2025
Masterclass: Ana Malta & Oscar Aldama Duo - Vocal and Piano Improvisation in Brazilian Rhythms
Program
18:00 Doors open
18:30 Masterclass
20:30 Family Picture
Masterclass
Experience a vibrant and hands-on masterclass focused on vocal and pianistic improvisation with an emphasis on two of Brazil’s most iconic rhythms: Baião and Samba.
Led by acclaimed Brazilian vocalist and educator Ana Malta (Conservatório de Tatuí, São Paulo) and Cuban pianist Oscar Aldama, this 2-hour session explores the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of improvisation rooted in Brazilian music traditions.
What to expect:
Introduction to the concept of the voice as an instrument in Brazilian music
Overview of key artists and the evolution of vocal improvisation in Brazil
Practical exercises to develop rhythmic phrasing, articulation, and improvisation techniques
Real-time group participation and improvisation based on presented material
Hands-on exploration of percussive and melodic structures in Baião and Samba
Open to: musicians of all levels and backgrounds with an interest in Brazilian music
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Interactive group session with live demonstrations and participant involvement
PAST EVENTS
Our Formats
Rido: Concerts
Experience intimate acoustic performances featuring a diverse range of styles, from jazz and new soul to world music. These concerts spotlight legendary musicians, emerging talent, sound artists, and DJs who specialize in niche genres. By connecting renowned national and international artists with local talent, each performance offers a unique, close-up experience, fostering a deep connection between the audience and the performers.
“Just Us” Listening Sessions
Artists from various disciplines share personal insights and production frameworks, illustrating how music influences their work. Held every second Friday, these sessions delve into the powerful role music plays in inspiring and shaping artistic expression.
Tête-à-tête: Dialogues
Tête-à-tête Dialogues bring together professionals from art, music, architecture, science, and technology for dynamic, intimate discussions. These conversations will spark innovation, inspiring attendees to explore new possibilities and think beyond traditional boundaries.
On Show: Exhibitions
Exhibitions in and around the Atelier will feature a diverse range of visual art forms, from street art and painting to photography and graphics, often ilinked to music to reflect the multidimensional talents of the artists. The space will encourage community participation and will provide an inclusive platform for emerging, established, and senior creators, fostering a vibrant environment for artistic expression and connection.
Membership Artwork
Membership Artwork: Every year, members of the association will receive an artwork in a limited edition, sized 7inch square, specifically designed for EMOH LEEF. The 2024 artwork is designed by Niklaus Troxler.
The Atelier
EMOH LEEF’s Atelier is a former glassblowing and painting workshop at the ground floor of an apartment building. The Prébarreau district of Neuchâtel is a vibrant, mixed-use area that brings together manufacturers, coffee roasters, workshops, public offices, and creative spaces such as artists’ and dance studios. While traces of its industrial past, like the old mill building, remain, the district has evolved into a hub of creative energy driven by its people. Today, it serves also as a pedestrian shortcut, where the community shapes the area’s artistic and cultural landscape. The area offers unexpected views of the collegial and other landmarks, and is just minutes away from the city center, lake, and main train station.
