๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ (International Artist Managers' Association)
Click here to visit โฎ IAMAโs website (International Artist Managersโ Association)
Please take some time to read the latest interview by IAMA featuring Poney Gross, who joined the association as a Full Member this year.
1. As a performing musician, until you formed your company Zig Zag in 1997, do you think your experience has equipped you to deal with the artists you represent?
Yes, definitely. The fact that Iโve had a career as a musician and experienced the different realities and challenges of a musicianโs life has helped me a lot in all aspects of the role of manager that I assume with them today.
The artists know that theyโre dealing with someone who knows the profession well, which gives them confidence. Thatโs a plus at the start of the relationship.
Thatโs not to say that everything is easy, but there is a basis on which we can build, achieve and develop.
Iโm always artistically involved in the creation of the projects (in some cases, I propose the project ideas), and thereโs a fundamental team spirit and willingness to listen, not forgetting the notion of having fun in the work, to get the best possible results.
2. Your agency specialises in musics outside the more traditional Western classical tradition but your artists work with orchestras and chamber musicians too. Have you noticed an openness from the classical music world to collaborations?
Yes, clearly. The classical music world is becoming increasingly open to collaborations with artists from other musical traditions. Itโs nothing new, but the interest is growing. My participation in the last two IAMAs confirms this.
A few years ago, we created our first crossover project with the Cuban a cappella group Vocal Sampling to celebrate their 30-year career. I challenged them to confront their voices with a symphony orchestra (the Orquesta del Lyceum de La Havana).
This experience revealed not only the enthusiasm of the audience, but also the involvement of the conductor and the musicians of the orchestra, who were curious and motivated by this artistic dialogue. It encouraged us to continue exploring this artistic line.
Weโve added some new original symphonic creations with Moroccan oud master Driss El Maloumi and Belgian diatonic accordionist Didier Laloy.
Collaborations with various symphony orchestras in Europe (Wurzburg Philharmonic, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Olten Philharmonic, Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Filarmonica Della Calabriaโฆ) have confirmed a very positive reception, both artistically and from the public.
We collaborated twice with the Tonkรผnstler Orchester in Vienna for the Cuban project and the one with Driss El Maloumi. There were around 900 people at the Musikverein for the first and over 1,200 for the second. These projects attract new audiences, some of whom are entering these halls for the first time and discovering what a symphony orchestra is all about. They are likely to return for concerts featuring a classical repertoire.
We are also beginning to receive interest in our crossover projects with string quartets and quintets. After working with Eesti Kontsert in Estonia at the start of the year on Driss El Maloumiโs quintet formula, our Dyad duo will be visiting the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society in December for a collaboration with the excellent Ciurlionis Quartet.
3. To create opportunities for your artists within the classical presentation setting, you are taking on the risk of promoting your own series too. Why have you undertaken this path despite the risks?
Zig Zag World is mainly a management agency, we create, produce and develop artistic proposals with our artists, but we also have, by default, to take on booking responsibilities in certain territories where we donโt have agreements with agencies.
We very rarely produce concerts ourselves, because I think itโs a different profession. But exceptionally, the challenge is sometimes worth it. For example, to celebrate the โDidier Laloy Symphonicโ in Belgium, weโre going to produce the concert at the Cirque Royal, a prestigious venue in Brussels with a capacity of over 1,700 people.
Weโre putting together our own orchestra with the Nethen Chamber Orchestra, the Quartz wind ensemble and 2 percussionists.
With the date set for 8 February 2026, we have 8 months to fill the hall. A very exciting challenge
4. The word โcrossoverโ is an outdated expression to use but do you have some alternative descriptions you like to use when approaching, for example, an orchestra in Vienna or Brussels?
This is an excellent question โ and a real subject for debate among professionals. Many of us recognise that the term โcrossoverโ means everything and its opposite, which can make projects harder to understand.
Here are a few suggested names that are on the table:
โขโ โ Musical Confluences Projects
โขโ โ Global Music Confluences
โขโ โ Bridging Sounds Projects
โขโ โ Neo-World Classical
โขโ โ TransClassical Projects
โขโ โ EthnoClassical Projects
โขโ โ InterClassical Projects
Perhaps we should launch a consultation on this subject?
5. We like to ask what members enjoy doing in their spare time. We are guessing that you like to continue playing music. Would that be correct?
Unfortunately, I havenโt played for many years. I had a career as a percussionist, specialising in African and Afro-Cuban percussion. I studied in Cuba, as well as in several West African countries. I had the immense privilege of learning and playing alongside the Guinean master Mamady Keita, considered to be one of the greatest djembe players in the world. I was then his manager for over twenty years, until his passing.
Iโm always curious and happy to discover new musical projects and emerging artists.
Aside from music, Iโm interested in culture in general, the worrying socio-ecological and political situation in the world and certain sports, particularly basketball, which I played for a long time. Iโm a fan of the Belgian womenโs national basketball team (the fantastic Belgium Cats), whom I go to see in matches whenever I can.
A few video links:
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Vocal Sampling & Orquesta Del Lyceum de La Havana โ O Tic Tac Do Meu Coraรงรฃo: https://youtu.be/pDfldPkiVYM
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Driss El Maloumi Trio & The Olten Philharmonic โ Tafassil: https://youtu.be/kbqhpRTAfEc
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Dyad & String Quartet โ Through the Leaves: https://youtu.be/Vwvx0FwKSQw
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Didier Laloy Symphonic โ Pesto y Tempesta (official Video): bit.ly/40wMh6d
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Driss El Maloumi Trio & Watar Quintet โ Choukr (official video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amkln2p-K8o
๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ญ๐: New EP '๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป๐ถ๐๐' coming out soon!
Weโre excited to announce the release of La Banzaโs brand-new EP โLocanityโ on Friday, August 1st!
Silvia is a multilingual singer, violinist and pianist whose music draws on her Czech and Spanish roots to create a truly original sound. Her work moves effortlessly between genres-blending classical influences with world music, pop and electronic textures.
This 6-track EP reflects the richness of her multicultural background. With songs written in French, English, Czech and Spanish, each track resonates with its own emotion and rhythm.
This new release is a big step forward for Silvia โ driven by her creative freedom, her rich cultural background and a sound thatโs truly her own.

๐๐๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐ฌ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ & ๐๐จ๐๐ฆ๐ง๐ฆ in Cirque Royal, Brussels - 08.02.2026
Didier Laloy and his SYMPHONIC crew invite you to a true musical fireworks display!
The dazzling climax of two extraordinary years filled with encounters, madness, and intense emotions.
To mark this unique moment, a special event will take place at the prestigious CIRQUE ROYAL in BRUSSELS!
For this exceptional evening, Didier has brought together a constellation of artists who have shaped his journey โ and all have answered the call!
In harmony with the ORCHESTRE DE CHAMBRE DE LA NรTHEN and the ENSEMBLE QUARTZ, youโll witness a spectacular and unprecedented evening featuring more than 60 artists from all walks of life.
An event not to be missed!
Tickets: CLICK HERE

๐๐ฌ๐๐ & ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ข *New Collaboration*
The DYAD duo (Didier Laloy & Adrien Tyberghein) join forces with the Musiques Nouvelles ensemble for an exceptional concert on Wednesday July 2 at the Arsonic as part of the Festival au Carrรฉ.
On the program: the world premiere of โSuite pour contrebasse, accordรฉon diatonique et orchestreโ, an original work composed by DYAD and arranged by Gwenaรซl Mario Grisi, where improvisation, world music, classical and rock influences meet.
To open the evening, DYAD invites Sabrina Romero, an Andalusian singer/percussionist with a bewitching flamenco voice, for a vibrant, cross-cultural performance.
More infos & tickets: CLICK HERE

๐๐ฌ๐๐ & ๐ ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ค๐จ๐๐ฆ ๐ก๐ข๐จ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ *New Creation* @ Festival au Carrรฉ, Mons (BE) | 02.07
The DYAD duo (Didier Laloy & Adrien Tyberghein) join forces with the Musiques Nouvelles ensemble for an exceptional concert on Wednesday July 2 at the Arsonic as part of the Festival au Carrรฉ.
On the program: the world premiere of โSuite pour contrebasse, accordรฉon diatonique et orchestreโ, an original work composed by DYAD and arranged by Gwenaรซl Mario Grisi, where improvisation, world music, classical and rock influences meet.
To open the evening, DYAD invites Sabrina Romero, an Andalusian singer/percussionist with a bewitching flamenco voice, for a vibrant, cross-cultural performance.
More infos & tickets: CLICK HERE

๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ '๐๐ฒ ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ป ๐ฉ๐ถ๐น๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ' ๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ!
RTBF plans to drastically cut back the program starting in fall 2025: goodbye to daily broadcasts, replaced by just a few hours on weekends. Most importantly, the end of essential partnerships with key players in the music sector.
For 25 years, this radio show has championed rare musical diversity, supported artists, organized concerts, and built cultural bridgesโฆ An entire ecosystem is now under threat.
Sign the petition to defend a show that brings people together through music: CLICK HERE
๐ฉ๐ข๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐ก๐ - ๐จ๐ฝ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐น
We are pleased to announce that the renowned Cuban a cappella ensemble Vocal Sampling will be performing in Germany this April:
Friday 11 April โ Symphonic concert in Ludwigshafen with the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz @ BASF
Saturday 12 April โ A capella concert in Bernau @ Bernauer Musikfestspiele
Famous for their remarkable ability to recreate the sound of a full orchestra using only their voices, Vocal Sampling has captivated audiences worldwide with their unique blend of Latin rhythms and vocal mastery. These concerts promise to be an exceptional musical experience for all attendees.
For more information and ticket reservations, visit:
April 11 (Ludwigshafen): https://www.concerti.de/termine/vocal-sampling-deutsche-staatsphilharmonie-rheinland-pfalz-markus-huber-leitung-basf-feierabendhaus-515041/
April 12 (Bernau): https://www.public-tickets-shop.de/produkte/200-tickets-vocal-sampling-a-cappella-aus-kuba-evangelische-stadtkirche-biesenthal-biesenthal-am-12-04-2025
๐๐๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐ฌ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ ๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ!
Didier Laloy proposes a unique project combining the refinement of his compositions with the power of an orchestra of 30 musicians, with the participation of the Nรฉthen Chamber Orchestra and Ensemble Quartz.
The symphonic arrangements of Laloy Didierโs emblematic pieces have been entrusted to Jean-Luc Fafchamps and Gwenael Mario Grisi, offering a rare encounter between the diatonic accordion and the orchestra.
This first tour in Flanders will also highlight two exceptional guests: Kathy Adam on cello and Adrien Tyberghein on double bass, who will make their unique contribution to this musical adventure.
Tour dates in Flanders:
08/02/2025: CC Belgica โ Dendermonde
01/03/2025: CC Sint-Niklaas โ Sint-Niklaas *๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐๐๐*
25/04/2025: CC โt Vondel โ Halle
03/05/2025: CC De Factorij โ Zaventem
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๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ก๐ข๐จ๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ง: More concerts dates across Europe are on the way for Driss El Maloumi Trio (& Watar Quintet)
After the release of his album โDetailsโ last September and his Belgian tour in December, Driss El Maloumi is delighted to continue the adventure and share more wonderful musical moments.
๐ฆ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฆ
19.02 โ Pรคrnu, Estonia @ Eesti Kontsert (Trio + Keelpillikvintett)
20.02 โ Tallinn, Estonia @ Eesti Kontsert (Trio + Keelpillikvintett)
25.02 โ Zurich, Switzerland @ Moods (Trio)
27.02 โ Brussels, Belgium @ Wolubilis (Trio + Watar Quintet)
28.02 โ Turnhout, Belgium @ de Warande (Trio + Watar Quintet)
Production: Contre-Jour x Zig Zag World

๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฅ. (๐ฆ๐ข๐๐ข) ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ถ๐พ๐๐ฒ - ๐ฌ๐ฑ.๐ญ๐ฎ
Just like the great bluesmen before him, Bai will share the stories behind each song, giving you a glimpse into the life and emotions that shaped his music.

Photo credit: Michael Chia