Sometimes you can hear from the first bar whether the collaboration between conductor, orchestra and composer is right. This rarity occurred at the premiere of Luc Van Hove’s Symphony IV, where the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Elim Chan, showed how energy, pride and pleasure can result in a gripping musical story. On paper, theContinue reading “Antwerp Symphony gives wings to Van Hove’s Symphony IV”
Monthly Archives: February 2022
Jan Michiels revives Marcel Proust musically
Marcel Proust’s iconic chronicle A la recherche du temps perdu has been given a contemporary interpretation in a beautifully crafted recital by pianist Jan Michiels, complemented by live electronics (Juan Parra) and video art (Lise Bruyneel). The concert, last Saturday in De Singel in Antwerp, was announced as a cathedral of piano music, partly toContinue reading “Jan Michiels revives Marcel Proust musically”
Luc Van Hove on the novelty of pure listening
On Friday 11 February, the premiere of Symphony IV by Luc Van Hove will take place in Antwerp. So the time seems ripe for a philosophical conversation about the artistic meaning of the symphony, the lust for life of the opera, the changing role of the composer and the importance of learning to listen again.Continue reading “Luc Van Hove on the novelty of pure listening”
Piet Swerts on the art of versatility
Pianist, conductor, composer and publisher. A repertoire that varies from piano, violin, opera, oratorio and wind orchestra to chamber music. His musical toolbox is overflowing, but it did not come naturally. A frank conversation about the hard and soft sides of the profession. “A piece has to be right. In the end, that is theContinue reading “Piet Swerts on the art of versatility”