The geometry in Jonkipel, or a Jonkipel of soul geometry

The great Austrian writer Gert Jonke (1946-2009) would have turned 80 on February 8. To mark this special day, composer/vocalist Susanna Ridler and composer, guitarist, and visual artist Wolfgang Seierl are organizing a joint musical Jonke evening—as a tribute to Jonke's unique work.

Both have been independently engaged with the poet's literary works for many years. This has resulted in numerous compositions and publications. Seierl was friends with Jonke, worked with him on projects, and repeatedly translated his thoughts into visual form. His project Jonkipel with Lena Fankhauser (viola) and Gina Mattiello (recitation) was released on vinyl in 2022 and premiered in its original version eleven years ago at the Strengen Kammer.

Ridler, in turn, has already staged Jonke's universe several times at Porgy with her comprehensive homage Geometrie der Seele (Geometry of the Soul), together with double bassist Peter Herbert and saxophonist Wolfgang Puschnig. In 2021, her CD was nominated for the German Record Critics' Award and in 2025, after revision, it was released digitally for the first time in a new three-part edition: it consists of the chamber music composition Chlorophyllklang, the tone poem Der Sprachkomponist, and the three-movement sonata Radio Jonke. The latter will be released on Jonke's 80th birthday.