NEWS ARCHIVE
International Operafestival Wiesbaden invites Anne & Zef May 2019
Very honored to receive an invitation from the International Operafestival Wiesbaden! With the successful team from Amsterdam, Lilian Farahani as Anne Frank, Benjamin de Wilde as Zef in the staging by Corina van Eijk we'll perform on May 16th and 17th in the Wartburg in Wiesbaden. I will be conducting myself, looking forward! More info on the opera here.
'Erdnüsschen'(Apenootje) has its German premiere in Düsseldorf, May 10, 2019
Sinfonia VivazzA
'Erdnüsschen, das Abenteur im Tierpark', original title 'Apenootje' written for the Rotterdam Philharmonic, will see its premiere in a brandnew staging in Germany on May 10, 2019. Versatile Sinfonia VivazzA from Cologne will perform in Düsseldorf May 10, Cologne July 4 and Hamburg December 6, with more to come next year.
Soprano solo in Opera Concert March 17, 2019
Utrechts Requiem 2nd Edition, February 17 in Utrecht and on tour in Utrecht area
Time to stretch my vocal cords again in the Spring Concert of the Dordrecht Opera Choir .
Highlights from Verdi's I Lombardi and Macbeth. With Martijn Sanders, baritone and Harald Quaaden, tenor.
Wilhelmina Kerk, Dordrecht 14.15.
Get your tickets here!
Highlights from Verdi's I Lombardi and Macbeth. With Martijn Sanders, baritone and Harald Quaaden, tenor.
Wilhelmina Kerk, Dordrecht 14.15.
Get your tickets here!
Stories of citizens of Utrecht, put to music by 4 different composers uniting in one Requiem. A wonderful initiative that proved to be very successful in 2017. For the second edition I was invited to compose the Sanctus and the Offertorium.
The Requiem was performed by the Insomnio Ensemble conducted by Ulrich Pöhl, NEON Chamber choir, Childrens Choir Utrecht and with soloists Esther Kuiper and Michael Wilmering.
Listen to the radio broadcast from TivoliVredenburg here
Check thier website to find out when the chambermusic version will come in a city near you!
The Requiem was performed by the Insomnio Ensemble conducted by Ulrich Pöhl, NEON Chamber choir, Childrens Choir Utrecht and with soloists Esther Kuiper and Michael Wilmering.
Listen to the radio broadcast from TivoliVredenburg here
Check thier website to find out when the chambermusic version will come in a city near you!
Requiem for Shame in choir project with Het Geluid Maastricht December 2018 Rehearsing my 'Requiem for Shame'
Romy and Gable Roelofsen of 'Het Geluid', creators of many socially engaged opera-projects and winners of Prins Bernhard Fundation Inspiration Prize, invited me to compose and conduct the 'Requiem for Shame' for COMMON CHORALE, a beautiful community-choir project in Maastricht. With internationally acclaimed vocal coach Kirsten Schötteldreier as music dramaturg.
Anne & Zef to Albania and Kosovo December 2018 The Albanian Anne & Zef, Anjeza and Patrik
A strong wish I had when we first performed Anne & Zef in Amsterdam, to perform the opera in Albania, because that is where Zef, a fictional character but based on reality, was 'born'. Now this dream will come true!
Performances in a.o. Tirana and Kosovo on December 5, 6, 8 and 9, 2018 with singers and orchestra from Albania. Third season of 'Apenootje' (Peanut) with Rotterdam Philharmonic November 2018
 CHristine de Boer as Eva, the zookeeper
In 2016 I wrote 'Apenootje', a fun show for kids age 6-8 for the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. With Christine de Boer as Eva and musicians from the Rotterdam Phil as the animals in her zoo.
Its fourth season is coming up with 10 shows at the end of November 2018. Check the Events calendar for exact dates! |
Anne & Zef Summer 2020 at Opera Spanga
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Corto Maltese at home in Valletta September 2018
Bigger-than-life sized posters on Valletta's St.George Square for CORTO MALTESE, my new opera, near the place where comic-hero Corto Maltese was 'born' according to the stories written by Hugo Pratt. We performed at the beautiful Teatru Manoel in Valletta, Malta, the oldest working theatre in the world. And with the most wonderful cast imaginable!!
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New Triumphal March inspired by Verdi for Leeuwarden18, Cultural Capital of Europe
For Leeuwarden18 Cultural Capital of Europe I composed a new Triumphal March (4'30") on the same text that Verdi used in Aida.
A march for mixed choir, piano and percussion (optional) with a new title: 'Gloria ad Iside' and it will be performed every night before' AIda', this year's production of Opera Spanga in Friesland, NL.
Premiere July 24, 2018. July 28th you can join the chorus when I give a workshop about the March!
A march for mixed choir, piano and percussion (optional) with a new title: 'Gloria ad Iside' and it will be performed every night before' AIda', this year's production of Opera Spanga in Friesland, NL.
Premiere July 24, 2018. July 28th you can join the chorus when I give a workshop about the March!
Anne & Zef in Beijing, World New Music Festival May 2018
May 23, 2018 Anne & Zef was performed by these two wonderful Chinese singers, Shan (Anne) and Xin (Zef) in the Beijing World New Music Days! With Maestro Xu Zhong conducting the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra on this impressive evening with two other operas, both from Chinese composers. More photos here
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Xin (L) and Shan in Suzhou, before the orchestra rehearsal
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Great reviews for Anne und Zef in Bielefeld, March 2018
Dorine Mortelmans and Caio
Photo: Bettina Stöss
The German Premiere in Opera House of Bielefeld on March 22 was a great success!
Some feedback from the visiting schools: 'Die Musik kam sehr gut an, auch dass das Orchester auf der Bühne saß und zu sehen war. Wir waren begeistert von der Musik.' 'Die Schüler waren sehr angerührt und beeindruckt von der Geschichte insgesamt, aber auch vom Orchester und von der stimmlichen wie schauspielerischen Leistung der beiden jungen Sänger.'
The press:'Monique Krüs' Klangsprache ist von einer unaufdringlichen Dringlichkeit und schleicht sich auf leisen Sohlen unter die Haut.'-'Die Musik trifft sehr direkt und das Stück reisst einen von Anfang an mit.'-'Krüs' Musik ist kontrastreich und bewegt.' 'Wie tief trifft das Lied Annes.' A nice blog of some students you can find here. Also check the interview with Jon Philip von Linden, the dramaturg of Theater Bielefeld.
Some feedback from the visiting schools: 'Die Musik kam sehr gut an, auch dass das Orchester auf der Bühne saß und zu sehen war. Wir waren begeistert von der Musik.' 'Die Schüler waren sehr angerührt und beeindruckt von der Geschichte insgesamt, aber auch vom Orchester und von der stimmlichen wie schauspielerischen Leistung der beiden jungen Sänger.'
The press:'Monique Krüs' Klangsprache ist von einer unaufdringlichen Dringlichkeit und schleicht sich auf leisen Sohlen unter die Haut.'-'Die Musik trifft sehr direkt und das Stück reisst einen von Anfang an mit.'-'Krüs' Musik ist kontrastreich und bewegt.' 'Wie tief trifft das Lied Annes.' A nice blog of some students you can find here. Also check the interview with Jon Philip von Linden, the dramaturg of Theater Bielefeld.
Anne & Zef invited by the World Music Days in Beijing May 2018!
A great honour: Anne & Zef has been invited by the ISCM World Music Days in Beijing May 2018! How happy can one be! Thanks to the whole team who made this opera to such a success! And to
the Dutch jury who selected it!
The performance will be May 23, 2018, 7.30 pm in the Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM) Opera and Concert Hall in Beijing. You're more than welcome!
the Dutch jury who selected it!
The performance will be May 23, 2018, 7.30 pm in the Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM) Opera and Concert Hall in Beijing. You're more than welcome!
Anne und Zef: Deutsche Erstaufführung in Bielefeld!
March 22 will see the Deutsche Erstaufführung of 'Anne und Zef' in the wonderful Theater Bielefeld! Wilko Jordens, a dear friend of mine, will conduct the Bielefelder Philharmoniker with
Dorine Mortelmans and Caio Monteiro in a new staging by Michael Britsch.
Looking forward! Check the Bielefeld website for more info. The opera is part of the 'Aktionswochen gegen Rassismus' in Bielefeld with many teenagers taking part.
Dorine Mortelmans and Caio Monteiro in a new staging by Michael Britsch.
Looking forward! Check the Bielefeld website for more info. The opera is part of the 'Aktionswochen gegen Rassismus' in Bielefeld with many teenagers taking part.
Anna e Zef in Rome again January 27-30!
After last year's success of the international worldpremiere of Anne & Zef in Rome in a very poetic staging by Cesare Scarton, the Accademia Santa Cecilia decided to reprise the opera! And guess what, I'll be there! At least for the premiere.
Shows on Jan.27/28/29/30 in the beautiful Sala Petrassi at the Auditorium, with wonderful singers Costanza Fontana as Anna and Giorgio Celenza as Zef, maestro Gabriele Bonolis conducting.
Shows on Jan.27/28/29/30 in the beautiful Sala Petrassi at the Auditorium, with wonderful singers Costanza Fontana as Anna and Giorgio Celenza as Zef, maestro Gabriele Bonolis conducting.
Nice commission for Leeuwarden 2018: a new Triumphal March
As a special addition to Opera Spanga's 'AIDA' I was asked, as one of 4 composers, to write a brandnew Triumphal March.
I used most of the same text Verdi did, but gave it a different title: Gloria ad Iside.
This is a compulsory work for the special choir-festival edition in Friesland. The winning choir will sing them, conducted by me, before the Aida-performances. Check the events calendar for the exact dates!
I used most of the same text Verdi did, but gave it a different title: Gloria ad Iside.
This is a compulsory work for the special choir-festival edition in Friesland. The winning choir will sing them, conducted by me, before the Aida-performances. Check the events calendar for the exact dates!
Anne & Zef part of Dutch selection for 2018 Beijing World Music Days
A nice start of 2018: Anne & Zef, together with 5 other Dutch compositions, has been selected for the 2018 ISCM International Music Days in May in Beijing! Now keep your fingers crossed that it will be performed there too!
Masterclasses and auditions on Malta
Off to Malta again January 11-15 for extra auditions for Corto Maltese and to work with Maltese singers.
Looking forward!
Looking forward!
Lucia di Lammermoor Mad-scene with Amsterdam Opera Choir Dec. 17, 2017
A nice Christmas-surprise: I was asked to jump in for the annual Christmas Concert of the Amsterdam Opera Choir. Highlights from Lucia di Lammermoor, one of my favorite roles, and from beautiful Mosè by Rossini, a for me unknown opera. Amsterdam, Beurs van Berlage Sunday Dec 17.
'Grief of Gravity' with Frysk Harmonie Orkest and Operakoor Amadeus in Leeuwarden Dec. 10, 2017
Grief of Gravity (2010) is a 25'-cantata for symphonic wind band, mixed choir and soprano and has, like most of my work, quite a few operatic ingredients. Conductor Tjalling Wijnstra loves opera and will lead this huge ensemble on Sunday, December 10th in the Pelikaankerk in Leeuwarden(NL).
Looking forward to singing the soprano solo myself! And there's more on the program: Casta Diva from Norma, Regina Coeli from Cavalleria Rusticana to name a few..
Looking forward to singing the soprano solo myself! And there's more on the program: Casta Diva from Norma, Regina Coeli from Cavalleria Rusticana to name a few..
Orchestral premiere of compulsory work at the Finals of the IVC September 16, 2017 Eindhoven
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On September 12, 2017 Lunam, ne quidem Lunam (The moon that isn't even a real moon), was performed twice during the finals of the IVC Den Bosch. First by IVC winner Yajie Zhang from China, next by Kinga Borowska (photo) from Poland who won the Dioraphte prize for best performance of my song with the warm playing Philharmonie Zuidnederland conducted by Kenneth Montgomery whom I've worked with so often as a singer. Here two excerpts of the Radio4 broadcast:
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'Steen van Licht (Piedra de Luz)' new work for Amsterdam Grachtenfestival performance August 13th, 2017
Ahmad Joudeh (l) and Michael Wilmering
For the performance Grenze(n)loos by talented Colombian-Dutch baritone Michael Wilmering (nominated for the Grachtenfestival Prize) I composed the song 'Steen van Licht' with lyrics by Michael himself. The show is about where we belong, what do we call 'home' and is loosely created like a 'liedrecital' but definitely not in the traditional sense: operadirector Monique Wagemakers staged it in a subtle and effective way. Together with Syrian dancer Ahmad Joudeh it is a very moving performance. August 13 at the Compagnietheater in Amsterdam.
IVC Den Bosch (International Vocal Competition) compulsory work in September 2017, workshop
For the 51st edition of the IVC I was invited to compose the compulsory work, based on the painting 'The Garden of Earthly Delights' by Dutch painter Jheronimus Bosch. The text of 'Lunam, ne quidem Lunam' is from 'Bosch en Breugel': a cryptic, imaginative poem by Pe Hawinkels inspired by the paintings of Jheronimus Bosch.
On September 11, 2017 I will explain more about this work during the masterclass for participants of the IVC where everybody is welcome! At 16.00 in the Willem II Concertzaal in Den Bosch (NL)
September 12th are the semifinals where all participants (21) will perform the work, in the finale on September 16th it will be performed with the Philharmonie Zuidnederland conducted by Kenneth Montgomery
On September 11, 2017 I will explain more about this work during the masterclass for participants of the IVC where everybody is welcome! At 16.00 in the Willem II Concertzaal in Den Bosch (NL)
September 12th are the semifinals where all participants (21) will perform the work, in the finale on September 16th it will be performed with the Philharmonie Zuidnederland conducted by Kenneth Montgomery
Opera for European Cultural Capital 2018 Valletta (Malta)
An incredible commission I got: to write an opera for the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2018:
Valletta (Malta). The English libretto by Tama Matheson is based on the very successful comic-series of 'Corto Maltese' by Hugo Pratt. The story is the episode 'The ballad of the salted sea'. With pirates, islands, WWI, kidnappers, heroes and... the sea!
And a baton, for I will conduct the opera myself in the beautiful Teatru Manoel.
Premiere on September 20th, 2018 in Valletta.
Valletta (Malta). The English libretto by Tama Matheson is based on the very successful comic-series of 'Corto Maltese' by Hugo Pratt. The story is the episode 'The ballad of the salted sea'. With pirates, islands, WWI, kidnappers, heroes and... the sea!
And a baton, for I will conduct the opera myself in the beautiful Teatru Manoel.
Premiere on September 20th, 2018 in Valletta.
Deutsche Erstaufführung 'Anne & Zef' in Bielefeld 2018
After a Dutch and Italian premiere it is time for a German one! On March 22, 2018 'Anne und Zef'will have its German premiere at the Opera House in Bielefeld in a new staging by Michael Britsch and conducted by Dutch conductor Wilko Jordens.
Anne & Zef nominated for prestigeous composition prize
Matthijs Vermeulen
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March 27th the Fonds van de Podiumkunsten announced the nominees for the prestigeous Matthijs Vermeulen composition Prize. Every 2 years this prize, named after famous Dutch composer Matthijs Vermeulen (1888-1967) is awarded for the best composition of that period.
I was honored to be among the nominees with 'Anne & Zef'! |
International premiere of 'Anna e Zef' in Rome
Opening of 'Anna e Zef' in the beautiful Sala Petrassi in Rome on March 12th, 2017.
10 superb musicians of the Santa Cecilia Orchestra performed, conducted by maestro Carlo Rizzari in a poetic setting by Cesare Scarton. With supertalents Costanza Fontana as Anna and Giorgio Celenza as Zef. Overwhelming reactions from the audience.
Next season the opera will return to Rome in January 2018
10 superb musicians of the Santa Cecilia Orchestra performed, conducted by maestro Carlo Rizzari in a poetic setting by Cesare Scarton. With supertalents Costanza Fontana as Anna and Giorgio Celenza as Zef. Overwhelming reactions from the audience.
Next season the opera will return to Rome in January 2018
Very nice blog about Anne & Zef and me..
Basia Jaworski, journalist and opera-connaisseur, has her own opera blog.
Latest article is about my opera Anne & Zef, coming up March 4 and 5 2017 in Amsterdam
Latest article is about my opera Anne & Zef, coming up March 4 and 5 2017 in Amsterdam
A quick look at what's coming up: read the NEWSLETTER!
Download the NEWSLETTER (in Dutch) to see at a glance what's going on!
More events on my calendar of course
More events on my calendar of course
Opera buffa for mixed choir 'Lippijn' worldpremiere in Rotterdam 27/28 January 2017
My short opera buffa 'Lippijn' (20') for mixed choir on a medieval text will have its first performances on January 27 in Oude Wetering and 28 in Rotterdam. Toonkunstkoor Rotterdam conducted by fearless Maria van Nieukerken will sing about poor Lippijn who is cheated by his wife.
Lippijn is part of the exiting concert 'Storm en Liefde' (Storm and Love) with music by Brahms, Escher, Fauré. Sallinen and me.
More info on their website
Lippijn is part of the exiting concert 'Storm en Liefde' (Storm and Love) with music by Brahms, Escher, Fauré. Sallinen and me.
More info on their website
'Anne e Zef' in Rome March 2017
After watching the successful Nedpho production 'Anne en Zef', directed by Corina van Eijk,
the Orchestra Santa Cecilia wanted to bring the opera about a.o. Anne Frank to Rome.
An Italian translation was made and the international premiere will be on March 12, 2017 with more shows on March 13 and 14.
Read their newsletter here
the Orchestra Santa Cecilia wanted to bring the opera about a.o. Anne Frank to Rome.
An Italian translation was made and the international premiere will be on March 12, 2017 with more shows on March 13 and 14.
Read their newsletter here
'Anne en Zef' at the new Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam March 2017
From 1-6 March 2017 'Anne en Zef' will be performed at the new Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam.
With the original cast: Lilian Farahani as Anne and Benjamin de Wilde as Zef,
members of the Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest conducted by Huba Hòlloköi.
On March 1/2/6 there are schoolperformances, on March 4 and 5 two shows each for every one.
Don't miss it!
Tickets here
With the original cast: Lilian Farahani as Anne and Benjamin de Wilde as Zef,
members of the Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest conducted by Huba Hòlloköi.
On March 1/2/6 there are schoolperformances, on March 4 and 5 two shows each for every one.
Don't miss it!
Tickets here
Nice review of 'Lunam, ne quidem Lunam'
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'.... For her ‘Lunam ne quidem Lunam’ ('The moon, that is not even a real moon', the original Dutch text is by Pé Hawinkels) is indeed an interesting musical piece in which the beautiful tension stands out in particular. It begins hesitantly, searching, but develops within minutes into a powerful climax.'
Former critic of The Stentor, after the recital of the IVC winners Henry Neill / Frederic Brown LISTEN here to 'Lunam' by the IVC winners Adele Charvet and Florian Caroubi |
6 November 2016: 'Apenootje' with Rotterdam Philharmonic
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'Apenootje' my family show for everybody of 6 years and older with Chistine de Boer and members of the Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest, will be performed in De Doelen in Rotterdam! 1400 and 1600h.
More shows coming up in 2017/2018/2019, check the Rott. Phil Calendar! |
Listen to the prize-winning rendition of 'Lunam, ne quidem Lunam' by Adele Charvet and Florian Caroubi
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Part of the radioshow 'Avondconcert' with the finals of the IVC on Sept. 26, 2016, with an introduction (in Dutch) by the radiohost. On the left the version of the winners Adele Charvet and Florian Caroubi, listen here to Artur Rozek (bariton)and Tomasz Pawlowski (piano) who also performed 'Lunam'.
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Winners of the 51st IVC, the FINALS on RADIO4 Monday Sept. 26th at 20.00h
Adele Charvet and Florian Caroubi are the winners of the 51st IVC! And with a beautiful, dramatic rendition of 'Lunam, ne quidem Lunam' they also won the Dioraphte Prize for the best performance of the compulsory work.
Photos IVC: Hans Hijmering |
At the finals of the IVC, with Annett Andriesen, general manager of the IVC, Harm -Jan van Dam who translated the Dutch text into Latin and some of tthe finalists.
More info on the IVC website |
Masterclass about the compulsory work for the IVC on Sept. 12th 2016 19.30h
Part of the International Vocal Competition Den Bosch is a masterclass about the compulsory work: 'Lunam, ne quidem Lunam' that I wrote. I gave it on Sept. 12th at 19.30 in the Toonzaal in Den Bosch.
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A new publisher: Deuss Music
Most of my music you can find now at DEUSS MUSIC
TransPride Anthem at EuroPride 2016 Amsterdam
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For the TransPride, part of the EuroPride Amsterdam 2016, I wrote and produced 'Trans and Proud', the TransPride Anthem, sung by the wonderful Agnes Geneva! Great fun to make!
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Here you can download the Trans and Proud LYRICS
with guitar chords. Trans and Proud NOW available on SPOTIFY and APPLE MUSIC! |
Toonkunst Rotterdam sings worldpremiere of 'Lippijn', a choir-opera Jan.27th, 2017
On January 27, 2017 the fantastic choir Toonkunst Rotterdam, conducted by Maria van Nieukerken, will perform my short choir-opera buffa 'Lippijn' (20 mn) based on a commedia dell'arte-like medieval text about Lippijn who is cheated by his wife.
Due to asbestos the IVC only partly this year
In the Theater aan de Parade, traditionally host of the International Vocal Competition, unfortunately asbestos has been found. Renovations will take until November, so a competition-as-usual can not take place. The IVC has decided to split the competiton in half: this year will be for the Lied-Duo, 2017 for Opera/Oratorio.
More information on the IVC-website.
More information on the IVC-website.
International Vocal Competition Den Bosch 2016: compulsory work is finished
The International Vocal Competition (IVC) in Den Bosch asked me to write the compulsory work for the 2016 edition. A fantastic commission!! And quite a challenge, with a.o. Willem Jeths (2014) and Jeppe Moulijn (2012) as my predecessors! The text is part of the 'Bosch en Breughel' poems by Dutch poet Pé Hawinkels, written for the painting 'Garden of Earthly Delights' by Dutch late medieval painter Jheronimus Bosch.All participating singers are required to learn this composition, which will be sung in Latin.
Music for Leader 'Man en Kunst' Dutch National TV
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For the Dutch AVROTROS art show 'Man en Kunst' created especially for the National Museumweek, I wrote and produced the leadermusic. On air every day with NPO2 from 19th-23th of April 2016.
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Anne en Zef returning to Amsterdam in April and May 2016
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On 7.April 2015 the premiere of 'Anne en Zef' took place, an opera for 12+ on a libretto of Ad de Bont, based on his successful play of the same name.
This season the Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest has programmed the show again in April and May 2016. With Lilian Farahani as Anne and Benjamin de Wilde as Zef. Read more about this production and playlist here |
Premiere 'Apenootje' a family show for Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest Feb.12, 2016
The Rott.Phil brand new 40 min family show called 'Apenootje' (premiere Feb. 12 2016) is a follow-up to 'Soeraki', the show I composed in 2011 for the Gergiev Festival. After 30 performances of 'Soeraki' at the Doelen in Rotterdam, it's time for something new! Thijs Maas and Roxanne Hellevoort wrote the libretto, Bart Oomen directed and Christine de Boer (of 'Yentl en de Boer', winners of the Annie MG Schmidt prijs 2015) is the soloist.
'Hoe lieflijk' (How lovely) commission by Compose4you, premiere Jan.3, 2016
A nice initiative by publisher Donemus: they launched a website where anyone can order music for any occasion! It is called Compose4you and I was asked to compose a 'birthday song' for soprano and violoncello, based on the poem 'Hoe Lieflijk' by Dutch poet Hans Lodeizen.
'Nachtegalen' (Nightingales) for guitar, viola and cello
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A new season, a new composition: 'Nachtegalen' had its premiere during the first 'Appeltaartconcert' (Apple pie concerts) of the season: a series of free concerts by the fantastic musicians of the Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest from Amsterdam, where (what else..) apple pie is being served in the intermission.
Martin Kaaij, guitar, Michiel Holtrop, viola and Douw Fonda performed at the ZIMIHC Theatre in Utrecht. The work is inspired by a beautiful poem of the same name by Caroline Wiedenhof. |
'Grief of Gravity' returns to Eindhoven
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On the 27th of June Orkest Zuid, together with the amazing Rotterdams Toonkunstkoor, performed 'Grief of Gravity'for soprano, mixed choir and symphonic band again, 5 years after the premiere on 2.May 2010. They asked me to sing the soprano-lead, no objection to that of course!
We had a wonderful review, in the Eindhovens Dagblad, read it here on the right (in Dutch only) 'Chapeau for Orkest Zuid!' |
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'Premiere of 'Anne en Zef': 'beautiful, vivid music', moving', heartwarming'
Anne en Zef' opera for 12+ had its premiere for press, teenagers, invitees on April 7th 2015 at the NedPho-Koepel in Amsterdam.
Wonderful press reviews and very emotional reactions of the audience! More info and photos HERE
'Ik zou het van de daken willen schreeuwen, hier moet iedereen naar toe!'
'I want to shout it from the rooftops, everybody should see this!'
Wonderful press reviews and very emotional reactions of the audience! More info and photos HERE
'Ik zou het van de daken willen schreeuwen, hier moet iedereen naar toe!'
'I want to shout it from the rooftops, everybody should see this!'
Interview with Place de l'Opera about Anne en Zef
Basia Jaworski interviewed me about Anne en Zef for Place de l'Opera, the website that keeps an up-to-date eye on operanews.
New commission from Rotterdams Philharmonic Orchestra
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra is very keen on programming
repertoire for children. They invited me for a brandnew 40 min family show
called 'Apenootje' (premiere Feb 2016) as a follow-up to 'Soeraki', the show
I composed in 2011 for the Gergiev Festival.
This January the 30th performance of 'Soeraki' will take place at the Doelen in Rotterdam!
Thijs Maas will write the libretto, Bart Oomen will direct and Christine de Boer
(of 'Yentl en de Boer', winners of the Annie MG Schmidt prijs 2015!) is the soloist.
repertoire for children. They invited me for a brandnew 40 min family show
called 'Apenootje' (premiere Feb 2016) as a follow-up to 'Soeraki', the show
I composed in 2011 for the Gergiev Festival.
This January the 30th performance of 'Soeraki' will take place at the Doelen in Rotterdam!
Thijs Maas will write the libretto, Bart Oomen will direct and Christine de Boer
(of 'Yentl en de Boer', winners of the Annie MG Schmidt prijs 2015!) is the soloist.
Rehearsals for 'Anne en Zef' have started
December 14th was the first rehearsal for 'Anne en Zef ' at the NedPho Koepel in Amsterdam. A promising start! With Benjamin de Wilde, Lilian Farahani, Mark van Nispen, conductor David Niemann and director Corina van Eijk
Cast for 'Anne en Zef' complete
The cast of my new opera for the Nederlands Philharmonic Orchestra 'Anne en Zef', about Anne Frank and Zef, a young victim of the Albanian blood revenge, is complete!
Lilian Farahani (Anne) and Benjamin de Wilde (Zef) will create the roles.
Read more about this project here
Lilian Farahani (Anne) and Benjamin de Wilde (Zef) will create the roles.
Read more about this project here
Masterclass Valthermond (NL) from 28th - 30th of August 2014
n the beautiful Concertboerderij 'Onder de Linden' in Valthermond (NL)
mezzo-soprano Marion van den Akker and I will give a masterclass for classical singers.Special attention will be given to preparing yourself for the new vocal season, how to warm up your voice and your whole body, but of course we will also work on repertoire(from baroque to contemporary opera, operetta, lied, oratorio) and technique). With pianists Nathalie Doucet and Jeroen Sarphati.
mezzo-soprano Marion van den Akker and I will give a masterclass for classical singers.Special attention will be given to preparing yourself for the new vocal season, how to warm up your voice and your whole body, but of course we will also work on repertoire(from baroque to contemporary opera, operetta, lied, oratorio) and technique). With pianists Nathalie Doucet and Jeroen Sarphati.
Interview on Radio 4 about my new youth opera project for NedPho
After the Zaterdagmatinee Concert, with a.o 'Shadow of Time' by Dutilleux, a piece dedicated to 'Anne Frank and all children, the innocent of the world' I was interviewed about a.o. the composition I'm working on for the Dutch NedPho Orchestra about Anne Frank. Radio 4, 16.30 live.
You can listen to this broadcast here, most of my share starts at appr.22'40
You can listen to this broadcast here, most of my share starts at appr.22'40
Madame Herz in 'Der Schauspieldirektor' by Mozart
Camerata Amsterdam with conductor Jeroen Weierink performed the short Mozart masterpiece 'Der Schauspieldirektor' during the Mozart-weekend in Haarlem.
Here a scene photo where Mme Herz has just made a sarcastic remark to M'mselle Silberklang
(Renate Arends). Another performance will be in Noordwijk at the Festival aan Zee on May 29th.
Here a scene photo where Mme Herz has just made a sarcastic remark to M'mselle Silberklang
(Renate Arends). Another performance will be in Noordwijk at the Festival aan Zee on May 29th.
NedPho commissions new work about Anne Frank for 2015
The Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra NedPho invited me to compose music theatre (45') about Anne Frank for April 2015. Text will be based on the succesful play 'Anne en Zef' by Ad de Bont
'Jeanne d'Arc au Bucher' by Honegger for Vrijdag van Vredenburg
In the concert series 'Vrijdag van Vredenburg' Honegger's dramatic oratorio 'Jeanne d'Arc aux bûcher' was performed on 24 January 2014.I sang the role of the holy Virgin. Location: Vredenburg Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht, live on Radio 4.
Read more about this unusual work here
Read more about this unusual work here
Leadermusic for AVROTROS television on air every week
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On 5 January 2014 was the first episode of the AVROTROS show on art 'Kunstuur', on air every Sunday. I wrote and produced the leadermusic for it.
More on 'Kunstuur' on the AVROTROS website |
'Goedemorgen met...' Radio 4 broadcast with my favourite music
Some of my favourite music was played during the Dutch Radio 4 broadcast that I hosted with
Aukelien van Hoytema. You can listen to it here.
Aukelien van Hoytema. You can listen to it here.
'The Tsar, his wife, her lover and his head' new opera
The Tsar, his wife, her lover and his head'
Opera (60') I composed and conducted for Peter de Grote Festival for Chamber Music
in Groningen Summer 2013.
We also performed at the Grachtenfestival in Amsterdam.
Find out more here
Opera (60') I composed and conducted for Peter de Grote Festival for Chamber Music
in Groningen Summer 2013.
We also performed at the Grachtenfestival in Amsterdam.
Find out more here
CD-Review of 'Hotel de Pekin' opera by Willem Jeths
Nice review in the NRC newspaper of my performance of CiXi, the Empress of China of the opera
'Hotel de Pekin'' by Dutch composer Willem Jeths. Live recording on CD (Etcetera Records).
'Hotel de Pekin'' by Dutch composer Willem Jeths. Live recording on CD (Etcetera Records).
Soprano solo in my own composition 'Grief of Gravity' in Rotterdam
The Rotterdams Symfonic Windorchestra RBS wanted to perform my 'Grief of Gravity' with the
Rotterdams Toonkunstkoor and invited me to sing the solo. Great fun! Anton Weeren conducted, with
Maria van Nieukerken leading the choir.
Find out more about 'Grief of Gravity' here
Rotterdams Toonkunstkoor and invited me to sing the solo. Great fun! Anton Weeren conducted, with
Maria van Nieukerken leading the choir.
Find out more about 'Grief of Gravity' here
Kurtag with ASKO/Schönberg Ensemble in Concertgebouw
4 Capriccios by Gyorgy Kurtag with ASKO-Schönberg Ensemble, conducted
by Reinbert de Leeuw in the Zaterdag Matinee of 27 October 2012.
Live on Radio 4.
by Reinbert de Leeuw in the Zaterdag Matinee of 27 October 2012.
Live on Radio 4.
'Soeraki, heldin van de Zee' at the Gergiev Festival 2011
'Soeraki' was written for the Gergiev Festival 2011 on a text by Sjoerd Kuyper.
With Eva Crutzen as Soeraki and members of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.
Read more here
With Eva Crutzen as Soeraki and members of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.
Read more here
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