Frank Gratkowski – a versatile personality, famous for his unique playing technique and musical thinking, firmly established himself on the European and American improvisational music map in the last decade of the last century. A musician born in Hamburg, after studying saxophone at the conservatory in his hometown, he learned the secrets of wind instruments in Cologne, and later studied with great masters such as Charlie Mariano, Salas Nistico and Steve Lacy. He actively cooperated and cooperates with various musicians and collectives: Grubenklang, Klaus Koenig’s orchestras, Tony Oxley’s “Celebration Orchestra”, WDR big band, Fred van Hove, Peter Brötzmann, Mark Dresser, Hamid Drake, Han Bennink, Misha Mengelberg, etc. However, Frank’s uniqueness became apparent when he began to organize solo shows, where he revealed himself as a highly technical and compositionally innovative musician.
in 2019 Frank, who delighted the Lithuanian audience with an indelible solo performance, on September 1 will return to the “Improdimensija” stage. This time not alone, but with great friends and musicians – pianist Achim Kaufmann, bassist Joe Williamson and drummer Tony Buck. Just like Frank, his stage companions are insanely talented musicians, whose heads boil the most unexpected ideas that go beyond any usual framework of musical language.
The concert of the collective, which will unite Germany, Canada and Australia, will be an exceptional gift for the visitors of “Improdimensijos”. Frank, Achim, Joe and Tony have played together in various formats before, but this will be the first and possibly only performance of these musicians as a quartet.
The famous alchemist Gailė Griciūtė will also perform at the first concert of the autumn season. A pupil of the prestigious Sibelius Academy of Music, she is a true jewel in the niche of Lithuanian contemporary academic and improvisational music, which is welcomed by foreign audiences with open arms. The works of this composer and performer are interdisciplinary monuments that intertwine not only different musical directions, sound experiences, but also visual arts.

The concert is partially supported by the @Lietuvos Kulturos Taryba and @Vilniaus savivaldybė
The event will take place in the premises of Mama studio at Mickevičius 29, Vilnius, you can reserve seats in advance by calling +370 617 13377, by e-mail tickets@improdimensija.lt,
purchase https://tickets.paysera.com/…/frank-gratkowski… or before the concert.
The number of places is extremely limited.
The ticket price is 20 EUR, for students, schoolchildren and seniors – 15 EUR (when buying a ticket on the spot)