The sublime tones of three instruments meet and create a lyrical universe. Time stands still, disappearing into the sound of another world, yet the three instruments are here and now, playing with melodies and musical idiom in improvised movements as well as traditional themes.

– The hang with its rhythmic soft and mellow metal tone
– The harp with its smooth crisp string tone
– The bass clarinet with its deep artful and inscrutable tone

The instruments twine around each other, finding new tone nuances in the melody and lifting them from one instrument to the other: Melody and accompaniment change focus, the tone quality of just these instruments captures the musical expression, always here and now, where time is no longer a factor to be reckoned with.

“We experience all this when we play together, and we wish to share this energy, to draw others into the music and so they become part of the performance. We wish to share the experience of time slowing and stopping so there is just now, this moment. In space and in us” (Zafir).

A journey has begun, a unique trio is born, where folk music, classical and jazz blend into a fantastical world that is meditative, rhythmic, playful. Zafir (Sapphire) is the name of a gemstone,that symbolize creativity and helps to think abstract in situations that needs and creative solution. We think that pictures very well our way of working.

Benjamin Barfod – Hang and div. percussion
(www.benjaminbarfod.com)
Self taught percussionist. Studied Indian classical music under Hamid Khan. Has played solo concerts in Denmark, India, France and Ghana. One of the few musicians in Denmark who master the instrument hang.

Anja Præst Mikkelsen – Bass Clarinet
(www.phonixfolk.dk/medlemmer)
Degree in folk music from Det Fynske Musikkonservatorium/Funen Music Conservatory. Performs in many different contexts, but especially in concert with the folk music band Phoenix, playing numerous venues and festivals both home and abroad.

Anette Gøl – Harp
(www.anettegoel.dk)
Degree from Det Kgl. Musikkonservatorium/Royal Music Conservatory with soloist degree from Ecole Normale de Paris. Has performed in several contexts: symphony orchestra, chamber ensembles, classical and rhythmic, both home and abroad.