What happens when an opera voice, a grooving soul rapper, a percussion wizard, and a pianist meet on one stage? Ekaterina Levental, Fred Gata, Bert Peyffers, and Babette Rogiers join forces for a unique, one-time concert where genres blur and new sounds emerge. Classical finesse collides with pulsating percussion, poetry flows into improvisation, and electronics merge with acoustic intensity. Driven by the untamed spirit of creativity and musical diversity, they come together as the "Wild Gene Collective" for one night only during LABIOMISTA's opening weekend.
Expect no fixed paths, but an adventurous journey full of unexpected twists. One night, four musical universes, after that, only a memory.
On April 5, LABIOMISTA, the 24-hectare artwork by Koen Vanmechelen in collaboration with the City of Genk, reopens its doors. With 'Wild Gene' as the theme for 2025, the park highlights what truly makes the place special: the power of the untamable. During the nocturne, visitors get the chance to explore the park after closing time, with a special toast and a performance in collaboration with B-Classic and MOUTH Foundation.
EKATERINA LEVENTAL is a singer, harpist, and theater maker. Born in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, she studied voice at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague and harp at the conservatories of Enschede, Detmold, and Rotterdam, graduating with honors in both disciplines. She is active as an opera singer and theater performer, collaborating on productions with various opera houses and music theater ensembles. In addition, she creates her own theater productions, bringing together her versatility and artistic voice.
FRED GATA is a rapper, soul singer, and producer. As the winner of the latest edition of Sound Track for Flemish Brabant and artist-in-residence at Het Depot in Leuven, he is steadily building his musical career. Alongside his solo project, he has collaborated with artists such as Vinci and Brosbros and was part of Fabrecollectiv. His work is rooted in a deep passion for art and community-building, with love, togetherness, and knowledge-sharing as recurring themes. His creative expression extends beyond music into photography and painting.
BERT PEYFFERS, also known as Bert Skunk, is a percussionist and musical omnivore. As a freelance percussionist and studio musician, he effortlessly moves between different styles and projects. He is the founder of the 12-piece collective Wamaki’s and tours across Europe with Ão and Vermin Twins. Additionally, he is a resident musician at B-Classic, a member of the Elfurenmis house band, and hosts the monthly Laswerk sessions.
BABETTE ROGIERS is a pianist and synthesist with a passion for experimentation and sound exploration. Originally starting on guitar, she quickly realized that the piano aligned better with her musical language. She is currently studying pop piano at KASK and plays in projects such as Arend Delabie, Home Bodies, FRAU, Desma, and Lunace. Inspired by artists like Nina Simone, Chick Corea, and James Blake, she explores the boundaries between jazz, electronics, and improvisation. In addition to her work as a musician, she teaches, focusing on fostering creativity and helping others find their own musical voice.
With a musical program in collaboration with B-classic.
