The Spidy Editor | Clare Varney - Page 12 of 14 - Music | Food

Redefining the World of Classical Music Competitions

12 June 2022Music

Bertie Baigent, Grand Prix winner of the inaugural International Conducting Competition Rotterdam | | © Clare Varney

Friday night’s concert at De Doelen, Rotterdam was the culmination of two weeks of frenetic music-making here in the Netherlands, and the highlight of this inaugural International Conducting Competition, Rotterdam.…

A Striking If Perplexing Midsummer Night’s Dream!

2 June 2022Music

Bottom, performed by Marc Pantus, revelled in his fabulous lower register | © Kurt van der Elst

As a Suffolk girl, growing up just six miles from Benjamin Britten’s place of birth, the music from this most English of composers runs deep through my veins. Whilst preparing…

The Day Miro Petkov And Dominic Seldis Came To Town

23 May 2022Music

We are told that sometimes, the best things come to he who waits, however, over the past couple of years it seems there has been rather too much waiting. It…

A Drenching In The Storm

20 May 2022Culture

As I sit here in the glorious sun, I think back to yesterday, and as one friend put it, the biblical rains which descended on this little part of the Netherlands.…

A Candle Burning Brightly In The World of Music Education

9 May 2022Music

International Piano Competition, Enschede

The International Piano Competition in Enschede, May 2021, brings together young pianists from all over the world in pursuit of that illusive first prize.

Callum Au: the hottest talent in the UK jazz scene

6 May 2022Music

Callum Au, trombonist, arranger, orchestrator and composer | © Callum Au

Callum Au is the man of the moment in the current UK jazz scene and if you have not heard about him yet, or listened to his work, please take the time to revel in his brilliance.

To Vote or Not to Vote? That is the Question

31 March 2022Culture

Earlier this month, for the first time in my newly adopted country, I voted in the local elections and it felt good. I shop locally and support local business. I pay my taxes to the Dutch government.

Alpesh Chauhan, Alena Baeva and Phion find new emotional depths in these turbulent times

20 March 2022Music

Alphesh Chauhan and Alena Baeva backstage after the performance © Clare Varney

This winning combination of Alpesh Chauhan and Alena Baeva really did leave a lingering impression in the minds of this Dutch audience

What had started as a lockdown necessity, morphed into a monthly ritual!

11 March 2022Culture

Dan Gregory | Photos ©The Regal Gentleman

My life changed, and the question of who would cut my husband’s hair became foremost in everyone’s mind…

The Wonder of a Fantastic Farmers Market

4 March 2022Food

If you are wondering how to spend the first Saturday of the month and you fancy a trip to the heart of Twente and the beautiful town of Delden, home to the stunning Twickel Castle, then look no further