| This event will take place at Lab Grounds (‘s-Gravendijkwal 58). Lab Grounds is located on the second floor and there is no lift in the building, sorry for the inconvenience.

Renowned ud (oud) player and composer Mehmet Polat brings together three exceptional talents from the jazz and world music scene in his latest project: the Mehmet Polat Quartet.

Together, the quartet explores a distinctive blend of jazz and global musical traditions, continuing Polat’s journey through musical crossovers that are deeply contemplative, emotionally rich, and rhythmically complex.

The ensemble’s compositions are rooted in diverse traditions, shaped by experimentation and artistic curiosity. By blending jazz with influences from Eastern European, Asian, Balkan and Mediterranean traditions, they create a unique sound. A deep, grounded pulse from bass and drums supports the soaring melodic dialogue between ud and piano. Each musician brings a unique voice, creating a collective sound that transcends genre and geography.

Line-up:
Mehmet Polat – ud & compositions
Franz von Chossy – piano
Jeroen Batterink – drums
Daniel van Huffelen – double bass

For this special evening at Lab Grounds, the quartet is joined by two remarkable guest artists: Flip Noorman and Vera van der Bie.

Flip Noorman is a Dutch singer and theatre maker renowned for his raw vocal sound and idiosyncratic performances. As the frontman of De Noormannen, he has created numerous acclaimed productions and toured extensively throughout the Netherlands. Winner of the prestigious Wim Sonneveld Prize and twice nominated for the Annie M.G. Schmidt Prize, Noorman is also widely recognized for his celebrated reinterpretations and Dutch translations of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits. Alongside his work as a performer, he is active as a teacher, voice actor, and director.

Violinist, arranger, and vocalist Vera van der Bie is known for her adventurous musical spirit and her ability to bridge classical music, pop, and theatre. She collaborates closely with Flip Noorman, creating string arrangements for his productions, including the Annie M.G. Schmidt Prize-winning song Ze Weten Wie Je Bent. Vera has performed with renowned ensembles such as the Metropole Orkest, Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, and ASKO|Schönberg, while also developing her own innovative projects, including the electric string trio West Side Trio and the theatrical ensemble Quintet Quinetique.

Together, these musicians meet in a unique collaboration where jazz, theatre, poetry, improvisation, and global musical traditions converge into an intimate and adventurous concert experience.