At Heldeke!, we’ve always believed that enjoying a good drink is about far more than just what’s in your glass; it’s about the atmosphere, the story, and the feeling in the room. That is why we are so excited to continue hosting pianist and composer Arashk Azizi’s “Sound of” series right here in our intimate Tasting Room and Bottle Shop!
It is a recurring event that we host from time to time, and every single edition takes us on a brand-new sensory journey.
What is the “Sound of” Concept?
Created by Arashk Azizi (and brought to life alongside Tunitemusic), the concept behind the “Sound of” series is simple yet fascinating: What does a flavor sound like?
Instead of traditional tasting events filled with dry lectures on tannins, oak barrels, or alcohol percentages, Arashk transforms tasting into an auditory experience, allowing guests to “taste with their ears”.
The format is wonderfully intimate:
- The Pour: Guests receive a curated flight of drinks (whether fine red wines, smoky single malt whiskies, or complex zero-proof alchemy).
- The Introduction: The producer, host, or artisan introduces the story, character, and notes of the pour.
- The Live Piano Poem: As you take a sip, Arashk plays a custom 10-to-20-minute piano poem created specifically for that drink. Blending pre-composed motifs with spontaneous live improvisation, his piano reflects the texture, warmth, and finish of what’s in your glass.
What People Are Saying:
The series has caught the attention of local culture reviewers and music writers alike, and we love how they’ve described the magic of these evenings:
- Hélène in cultural blog Sour Cream and Dill beautifully noted after attending The Sound of Wine at our Bottle Shop:“Instead of focusing only on tasting notes, I found myself noticing their texture, intensity and overall mood through the music.”
- Music magazine Tunitemusic highlighted the series’ unique ability to blur sensory boundaries, calling it an invitation to explore the “intersection of auditory and gustatory sensation” by turning every pour into live musical storytelling.
A Traveling & Evolving Concept
While we love hosting these magical evenings at the Heldeke! Tasting Room and Bottle Shop, the “Sound of” series is an evolving concept that pops up in different specialty venues across town.
Editions of the series include:
- The Sound of Wine: Translating body, finish, and grape varieties into fluid acoustic melodies.
- The Sound of Whisky: Exploring deep, smoky peat, warm spices, and lingering barrel notes through rich harmonies.
- The Sound of Zero: Collaborating with non-alcoholic mixology specialists (like our friends at Nullijook) to match botanical brews, fermented teas, and zero-proof crafts with delicate key changes and bright rhythms.
Keep an Eye Out for the Next Session!
Because this is an ongoing, recurring series, we bring Arashk back to our Bottle Shop floor throughout the year for fresh pours and new musical compositions.
Spaces for these intimate tastings are strictly limited to keep the atmosphere candlelit, cozy, and relaxed.
Keep an eye on our event calendar and Fienta page for the next Sound of performance at Heldeke! Grab your tickets early, bring your curiosity, and come find out what your favorite drink sounds like.
