SOUND OF THE FLOWER: Meditative Concert

Karl Nieler is a professional bassoonist and musician, born into a family of artists in Tallinn. His musical roots range from Estonian folk and early music to Indian classical music. He studied bassoon and Baroque bassoon in Tallinn, Karlsruhe, Geneva and Lyon.

Karl’s musical journey took him through France, Switzerland and Spain to Germany. Since 2001, he has been principal bassoonist with the German Federal Police Orchestra in Munich. As a bassoonist and contrabassoonist, he has performed in more than 30 countries and collaborated with numerous international orchestras and conductors, including Philippe Herreweghe, John Eliot Gardiner and Teodor Currentzis.

In 2012, a new world of sound opened up to Karl – hand-hammered Indian singing bowls, gongs and their long-lasting vibrations. From this emerged “Lille hääl – Sound of the Flower”, bringing together free improvisation, singing bowls, bassoon, gongs, bansuri, Tibetan bells, Tingsha cymbals and Karl’s own poetry.

His improvisations are inspired by sound journeys of his own creation, such as “Whispering Stars,” “In the Heart of the Mountains,” “Journey to the Centre of the Galaxy,” “Voices of the Northern Lights” and “Eternal Water.”

Karl has presented this world of sound in Germany, France and Estonia. In 2021, his composition “Galaxie” was premiered with the Narva Symphony Orchestra, and in 2024 he took part in the premiere of Estonian composer Liisa Hirsch’s “Hing, hingeke” with the Estonian National Male Choir.

His concerts bring together decades of experience as a professional musician, improvisation, and the freedom to listen to what emerges right now – in this space, in this moment.

About Singing Bowls

NADA BRAHMA – THE WORLD IS SOUND

All of nature vibrates. Sounds are vibrations that have become audible to us. We, too, are part of this infinite music.

We hear the sound of singing bowls not only with our ears – their vibrations can be felt throughout the body. When a singing bowl is placed on the body, its vibrations travel through the tissues and may promote deep relaxation, release tension, and encourage a more conscious awareness of the body and breath.

A large part of the human body consists of water. If a singing bowl is filled with water and made to sound, the vibrations become visible: the water begins to ripple, forming patterns and droplets. It is a beautiful illustration of how sound is not only something we hear – sound is movement and vibration.

A singing bowl needs to be empty inside in order to resonate freely. This can also be seen as a metaphor for ourselves: sometimes we, too, need inner space and silence so that our thoughts, emotions, and reactions can settle.

The powerful vibrations and long, fading tones of hand-hammered North Indian singing bowls can support an experience of deep calm and presence. As a sound gradually fades away, space emerges – for the next sound, the next breath, and for silence.

Everything flows. We never step into the same river twice.

Sometimes we are constantly trying to gain something more – knowledge, experiences, positive energy. Yet it can be just as important to let go and simply be, simply trust.

An encounter with singing bowls and gongs can be an opportunity to take time for yourself, to listen, to feel, and to become aware of this very moment.

Now. Here.

In gratitude and in the beauty of the moment.

Simply be.