Lots of people ask me which concerts should they go to, and what is worth going to see. In my work as a music critic covering concerts all over The Netherlands and Belgium, I am so lucky to be able to witness first hand, music making of the highest standard and I hope to share some of these concerts with you.
So this is the first edition of Clare’s Musical Choices which aims to answer that question, covering musical events in and around Enschede and the odd event from further afield.
Do let me know if you are organising a concert which you would like to be considered for inclusion.
Enjoy!
Classical & Popular Music
The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
Saturday 6th May | 12:00 | Watch on BBCNews | BBC 1 | BBCRadio 3
The Coronation of the British monarch, King Charles III, will take place in Westminster Abbey, London and will feature some amazing classical music. There will be a concert before the service conducted by John Elliot Gardiner who has been granted leave to start his concert the night before with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam an hour earlier, so he can arrive in London on time for the occasion.
The service will feature music performed by the Coronation Orchestra made up of leading players from the world’s best orchestras, conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano (Royal Opera House, Covent Garden). The programme will be full of English music, plus twelve new commissions including a Coronation anthem Make a Joyful Noise – composed by Andrew Lloyd-Webber. In total, there will be over four hours of music featuring music from eight choirs (including the Kingdom Choir who sang at Meghan and Harry’s wedding), six conductors and two organists, all of which will be recorded and available to download and stream on the day. A physical album will be available to buy globally from May 15th. King Charles is a great advocate of classical music. This should be very exciting.
Sunday 7th May | 14:00 | Coronation Concert featuring Take That, Katy Perry & Lionel Ritchie | Watch on BBCNews | BBC 1 |
Jazz | Reggae |Popular Music
Nederlands Blazers Ensemble
Sunday, 7th May | 15:00 | Muziekcentrum, Enschede | Tickets
For the first time in its history, the NBE visited Jamaica to gain a deeper understanding of reggae music. They travelled all over the island to find locally famous musicians and young emerging talents to make music with. Together they played reggae, ska and much more. Some of these experienced young heroes will join the NBE on their Dutch tour in a live video link from Jamaica to play live on stage. Transport yourself to the heart of Jamaica: intoxicating, moving and swinging.
NBE.nl
Classical Music
Amsterdam Sinfonietta | Spiegel im Spiegel
Thursday 11 May | 20:00 | Muziekcentrum, Enschede | Tickets
Amsterdam Sinfonietta led by Candida Thompson will join forces with the Dutch Chamber Choir in a programme which merges concert and chamber music. Conducted by Martina Batič, with British cellist Tim Posner, and pianist Hülya Keser.
Classical Music
Phion Orkest | Barber Violin Concerto
Friday 12th May | 20:00 | Muziekcentrum, Enschede | Tickets
Dutch violinist, Isabelle van Keulen, is known to many as a judge on the TV show Maestro. She will join Phion Orkest in Enschede to perform the Barber Violin Concerto just days after performing in the Wigmore Hall, London. The concert will finish with Beethoven’s 7th Symphony conducted by Alexi Ogrintchouck, the amazing soloist oboe from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra who has recently dipped his toes into the conducting world. This should be very good!
Book Ahead!
Popular Music
The Analogues | Hello Goodbye
Saturday 24th June | Hertme Open Air Theatre | 21:00 | Tickets
If like me you missed out on tickets for their performance in Enschede earlier this year, then this open air theatre concert with The Analogues is a must. Hertme, just north of Borne, will be the venue for this amazing Dutch Beatles tribute band who are set to tour all over the UK, Germany and France with a selection of highlights from six iconic Beatles albums: Magical Mystery Tour, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The White Album, Let it Be and Abbey Road. If the weather holds, it should be a great night!
‘The Analogues are a Dutch quintet who specialise in accurately recreating Beatles recordings from their later studio years, using the correct vintage instruments. There were no period costumes or comical impersonations, which is probably just as well. The tribute here is to the brilliance of the original arrangements, allowing fans to make a visual connection between the instruments being played and the sounds we have been listening to for so long.’
Review in The Telegraph, October 2022
Recent Reviews by Clare Varney:
Nederlandse Reisopera’s Fidelio makes opera truly accessible for all
The Francis and Dominic Show strikes the perfect chord
La Stans: A chocolate feast for all the senses
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This is not a sponsored article. I have received no payment for this post and all views are my own.
