With its signature blend of neoclassical, ambient and contemporary sounds, Suau Festival made a very welcome return to Ibiza this month. Taking place from 3 to 5 July, the festival transformed three distinctive locations - Es Caló de s'Oli Auditorium, the Baluard de Sant Pere in Dalt Vila and the dramatic surroundings of Sa Pedrera, in San Antonio, - into intimate concert spaces.
Organised by Eivissa Escènica, this year's edition featured local project Felt Oxytocin, Polish cellist and composer Dobrawa Czocher, and German electronic duo Two Lanes. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend Felt Oxytocin's opening-night performance, but made it to the latter two.
The setting could hardly have been more appropriate. The concert took place at the Baluard de Sant Pere - within the walls of Dalt Vila - where centuries-old stone fortifications formed a dramatic backdrop to an evening of contemporary neoclassical music. As daylight faded and warm stage lighting illuminated the ancient walls, the atmosphere felt both intimate and monumental.
Czocher is an accomplished musician, having studied at the prestigious Chopin University of Music and performed with leading orchestras before embarking on a more experimental path as a composer and solo artist.
Joining her on stage was Natalia Czekała, whose synthesisers and keyboards expanded the sonic possibilities of the cello far beyond its traditional role. Together, the duo filled the fortress with layers of cello, electronics and subtle vocal textures, moving seamlessly between moments of minimalist restraint and rich emotional intensity.
The audience followed willingly. Looped cello phrases, electronic textures and sampled voices combined in music that shifted between stillness and intensity. Enhanced by the acoustics of the historic venue, the result was both powerful and deeply atmospheric.
Suau Festival concluded the following evening at the dramatic Sa Pedrera quarry, on the ouskirts of San Antonio, where German duo Two Lanes provided a fitting finale. Formed by brothers Leo and Rafa, the project brings together acoustic piano, analogue synthesisers and minimalist electronics, occupying a space somewhere between ambient music, neoclassicism and melodic techno.
The setting could hardly have been more spectacular. As the sun began to sink, the quarry's vast walls glowed in shades of gold, copper and deep red, creating a natural amphitheatre unlike any conventional concert venue. Against this extraordinary backdrop, Two Lanes gradually built a sound world that was both emotive and atmospheric.
What began as a seated concert slowly evolved into something more communal. As the performance gathered momentum, audience members rose from their seats and drifted towards the open space at the rear, where an impromptu dancefloor emerged beneath the evening sky. Before long, much of the crowd was moving together, blurring the line between concert and celebration.
It was a perfect illustration of Suau Festival's appeal. Rooted in attentive listening and musical exploration, yet never afraid to embrace spontaneity, the festival once again demonstrated that Ibiza's cultural landscape extends far beyond its clubbing reputation.
Watch this space for next year's edition.
Words by Stefano Lariccia and Will McKenzie
