Vita

Saxophonist and composer Jonas Engel grew up in Sannerz in the lush landscapes of East Hessen, surrounded by brass band music. His artistic practice explores the intersection of acoustic and electronic sound, using extended techniques, instrument building and preparations to expand the sonic possibilities of the saxophone and other wind instruments.

Engel creates acoustic noise and sonorities influenced by electronic sound, working with air, harmonics, saliva, microtones and the physical properties of the instruments themselves. Reeds are connected to various tubes and objects, from saxophone and PVC tubes to modified ABS trumpet, often combined with objects and live electronics. The resulting sounds move between fragile textures, dense noise, unstable harmonics and traces of the human body, revealing an inner physicality that makes its way to the surface.

His work spans solo performance, composition and collaboration. He is involved in projects including ZEVRA, Lucatelli/Engel/Mahnig, OWN YOUR BONES, ENGELTHOMSEN, CAECILIAN, GEM GAR, Just Another Foundry and Our Hearts As Thieves. As a soloist and bandleader, he has performed in more than 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia, appearing at festivals such as Moers Festival, Rheingau Musik Festival, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, London Jazz Festival, Muara Suara, Lacking Sound Festival, Curitiba Jazz Meeting, Byblos International Festival, Sonorities Festival and Jazz Lives Syria, among others. He has released numerous recordings as a bandleader and co-leader.

Alongside his artistic work, Engel is chairman of the Cologne-based Impakt collective, where he develops concert series and festivals for adventurous experimental and improvised music. Its concert series Bruitkasten has presented more than 80 editions to date and received the APPLAUS Award in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Engel has received numerous awards, grants and scholarships as a musician and composer, including support from DAAD, NICA Artist Development, Idella Foundation, Musikfonds, Kunststiftung NRW, Beckett Foundation, the City of Cologne, Art OMI Residency, Galata Residency, Avignon Jazz Award, Maastricht Jazz Award and Young German Jazz Award.