Samy Thiébault and Émilie Aridon-Kociolek
Prepare to hear iconic jazz fusion stripped down to its raw, beautiful core in this intimate encounter. It is a stunning display of musical chemistry where two distinct worlds collide to reveal hidden textures in familiar melodies.
Studio de l'Ermitage (Paris 20th)
About
On Thursday, November 26, 2026, the Studio de l'Ermitage hosts a rare musical encounter between saxophonist Samy Thiébault and pianist Émilie Aridon-Kociolek. This duo reimagines the legendary jazz-fusion repertoire of Weather Report, stripping down complex electrical compositions into an intimate, acoustic dialogue. Between 20:00 and 22:00, the artists explore the works of Wayne Shorter and Jaco Pastorius with both technical precision and spontaneous creativity. Tickets are available at different price points: 20 EUR for Early Bird, 22 EUR in advance, and 25 EUR at the door. Set in the 20th arrondissement, this performance marks the birth of a unique collaborative project.
Witnessing two musicians from seemingly distant worlds come together is a rare and precious experience. For the birth of this exceptional duo, that is precisely what is at play.
Until now, Émilie Aridon-Kociołek has navigated between the world of classical music and tango, at some distance from the concept of improvisation. Yet, when she takes hold of what Samy Thiébault has imagined for her, each note seems to come alive with a new energy, as if modeled by an unfathomable depth of soul; one then perceives her gesture as a true act of improvisation.
The subject of this album, the music of Weather Report, is deeply associated with a sound, an era, and the cohesion of a band. It evokes an electric, vibrant, and collective jazz. Imagining these compositions flourishing in the sparseness of an acoustic duo seemed almost impossible, and yet this prodigy is realized here.
In this chamber dialogue, where the resonance of brass and wood subtly blend, Émilie Aridon-Kociołek and Samy Thiébault reveal the richness of the compositions by Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, and Jaco Pastorius in a new light.
Thus appear, through the pen of Samy Thiébault, personal variations on essential compositions of the legendary group, conceived as scenarios where liveliness and intelligence are always present.
We navigate through these compositions with a new compass, between sweetness and incandescence, rediscovering their originality, their grandeur, and the accuracy of every melodic line.
This duo embodies the dialogue between two unique voices: the dazzling saxophone of Samy Thiébault, here fully in the light, and the soul-filled piano of Émilie Aridon-Kociołek. The diversity of their journeys and musical visions accords miraculously in every breath, in every phrasing. Each redraws their own language here, in a true surge of creation. Knowledge and intuition mingle naturally, giving birth to music where rigor and spontaneity coexist, where each note is born from the moment and from mutual listening, revealing the intimacy and strength of a vibrant exchange.
Samy Thiébault: tenor saxophone, alto flute, effects
Émilie Aridon-Kociołek: piano
Our take on this event
The Studio de l'Ermitage serves as the stage for a compelling collaboration on November 26, 2026. Saxophonist Samy Thiébault and pianist Émilie Aridon-Kociolek join forces to bridge the gap between their respective musical worlds. While Thiébault brings his mastery of the tenor saxophone and alto flute, Aridon-Kociolek contributes her background in classical music and tango to create a soundscape that feels both structured and entirely improvised.
The concert, running from 20:30 to 22:00, focuses on the music of Weather Report. Transforming electric, collective jazz into a delicate chamber music format, the pair breathes new life into the compositions of Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, and Jaco Pastorius. The performance highlights the raw resonance of the instruments, allowing the audience to discover these iconic melodies through a fresh, minimalist perspective.
Attendees can secure their spot with a choice of ticketing options: an Early Bird rate of 20 EUR, a standard advance ticket at 22 EUR, or by purchasing tickets at the door for 25 EUR. This event is an opportunity to witness how two distinct artistic voices merge through mutual listening and creative intuition, resulting in a vibrant and deeply personal musical exchange.
