Red Flag

Drawing inspiration from powerful voices like Paul Robeson, Woody Guthrie, Kurt Weill, and even Frida Kahlo, Roelofs revives music once used as a weapon against injustice, in equality, and oppression. 

Accompanied by projected visuals and spoken introductions, he provides the historical and political context behind each piece, creating a reflective and immersive experience. 

Joris Roelofs is a bassclarinetist, composer, andphilosopherbased in Amsterdam. He was a longtime member of the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and has collaboratedinternationallywithartistssuch as Brad Mehldau, Meg Stuart, and Han Bennink. His musicexploresthe spacebetween jazz, chambermusic, and free improvisation — oftenunderpinnedbyphilosophicalinquiry. 

His most recent album, Rope Dance: Light-Footed Music forAlland None, inspired byNietzsche’stightrope walker in Thus Spoke Zarathustra, received five-star reviews in both de Volkskrant and BBC Music Magazine. 

Beyond performing, Joris is head of the Jazz Clarinet at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where he alsoteaches on the intersection of musicandphilosophy. He writes essays, giveslectures, and is currentlyconducting PhD research at the University of Amsterdam on the politicaldimensions of improvisation.