Brahms In Serious Mood

After a June concert in de Vereeneging in Nijmegen with the Nijmeegs Studentenorkest directed by Quentin Clare, it's now time to tour Germany and Denmark with the same programme of Schumann, Raff, and some Brahms for myself - the wonderful 4 ernste Gesänge (4 Serious Songs) in an orchestrated version by Sir Malcolm Sargent.

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Un Interlude Français

It's May, so that must mean it's time for more 20th century French choral and organ works with the Ribattuta Ensemble and organist Hayo Boerema. This year sees some Messaien, Langlais, Fauré and a rather fabulous Messe Solonelle by a student of Langlais: Naji Hakim.  

It's all good, clean, noisy fun!

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A Northern Requiem

Next week sees my first visit to Trondheim in Norway. Concerts of Mozart's Requiem with the Trondheim Symfoniorkester directed by Richard Egarr will be performed in the Nidarosdomen - the  northernmost mediæval cathedral in the world.  

(And never fear, I shall be taking a camera with plenty of memory!)

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Bachian Influences

Coming up is a tour full of the flavours of Bach - one including the beautiful motet BWV 226 and a set of new works by Chiel Meijering inspired by Bach for choir, organ, violone and saxophone - with the Ribattuta Ensemble.  

Mmmm - Tasty, tasty Bach!

noorderkerk, amsterdam

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Lang May Yer Lum Reek

(Which means 'long may your chimney smoke, and is a traditional Scots greeting for the New Year and other celebrations!)  

Happy New Year!

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