ISLAMABAD: The Eva Klesse Quartet completed its Pakistan tour at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in a fabulous Jazz Concert organised by the German embassy and the Goethe Institute on Saturday.

The band had previously performed at the World Culture Festival in Karachi and at the Alhamra in Lahore.

German Ambassador Ina Lepel inaugurated the event, welcoming music aficionados to hear the Quartet’s modern jazz.

“Music lovers, dear guests, ladies and gentlemen, I feel very privileged to welcome you all to this concert of the German jazz band, Eva Klesse Quartet.

“After successful performances in Karachi and Lahore, we are pleased to welcome them to Islamabad on the last leg of their journey,” Ambassador Lepel said.

She said: “Germany is of course a country of tradition, but also has a very modern, urban and dynamic culture. We are proud to have the Eva Klesse Quartet with us in Islamabad today because they personify this side of our culture and because they are able to connect really well with the vibrant Pakistani society, especially with young people.”

The Eva Klesse Quartet was formed in January 2013, and the Pakistan tour featured Evgeny Ring on the saxophone, Felix Hauptmann on the piano,

Tabea Kind on the double bass, and Eva Klesse on the drums.

Over the past decade and a half, the Quartet has received much acclaim for its six album releases.

Since its founding, the quartet has performed hundreds of concerts worldwide, captivating audiences across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, participating in festivals like Jazzfest Berlin, Cairo Jazz Festival, Leipziger Jazztage, Jazzfestival Münster, Jazzfestival Buenos Aires, 12 Points Festival, Elbjazz, ChilEuropa Festival and many more. The global influence and innovation is apparent in the singular sound of the band.

The band’s musical forte appears to be a unique amalgam of contemporary improv, jazz and advanced pop music.

Their songs transcended simple chord structures and catchy melodies, with unusual chord progressions, key changes, and rhythmic complexity.

The Quartet originates from Cologne, the hub for jazz in Germany, and they have performed at various venues in the city, such as the Stadtgarten Köln and the Subway jazz club. The ensemble has received numerous honours, including the Echo Jazz Award, and their work often explores themes of social upheaval, hope, and resilience.

Eva Klesse shared being completely overwhelmed by the very warm welcome in Pakistan during the tour. The Quarter had the opportunity to play with local musicians and conduct a workshop at the Arts Council in Karachi.

Eva Klesse welcomed a special guest, Nimra Rafiq, on stage to collaborate with the quartet as they played the classic Alif Allah Chambe di Booti. Her vocals were an especially beautiful counterpoint to the lyrical saxophone.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2025