Monthly Archives: February 2018

Cappella Amsterdam presents Baltic Souls: Estonia 100 years independent/non-independent

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Thea Derks

Although Estonia is nearly 4000 square kilometres larger than the Netherlands, it has barely more inhabitants than the province of Utrecht. For centuries, powers such as Denmark, Germany, Russia, Sweden and Poland disputed the rule of this country on the … Continue reading →

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How Fanny Mendelssohn was eclipsed by Felix

Posted on February 18, 2018 by Thea Derks

Fanny Mendelssohn (1805-1847) was Felix Mendelssohn’s elder sister by four years. They both received sound musical training, but she surpassed him in virtuosity at the piano. Her relationship with Felix was intense, but also suffocating. Due to his opposition, Fanny … Continue reading →

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George Benjamin on his opera Written on Skin: ‘We emphasize the unnatural’

Posted on February 8, 2018 by Thea Derks

George Benjamin (1960) is composer in focus of the coming Holland Festival. Apart from the Dutch premiere of his recent opera ‘Lessons in Love & Violence’ there’s a semi-staged performance of ‘Written on Skin’. Benjamin composed this highly successful opera in … Continue reading →

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Matthias Pintscher makes debut with Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Thea Derks

The German Matthias Pintscher (Marl, 1971) makes his debut as a conducting composer with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. On Thursday 1 February he conducts the programme Japanese impressions, with works by Noriko Baba, Toru Takemitsu and Claude Debussy. The next … Continue reading →

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