Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – most definitely an author for our time
The raw and sometimes harrowing world of contemporary Nigeria is brought to life with astounding precision and clarity. Like so many I am sure, I tend to have phases in…
Excellent Customer Service Really Is Worth Its Weight In Gold, Or In This Case, Whisky and Wine
Slijterij Berendsen, the family-run alcoholic beverage store in Enschede, puts excellent customer service at the heart of its business Food and Drink Heroes of Enschede #3 Nestled in the edge of Roombeek,…
Redefining the World of Classical Music Competitions
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!
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
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
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
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 2022 UK Jazz Scene
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
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
This winning combination of Alpesh Chauhan and Alena Baeva really did leave a lingering impression in the minds of this Dutch audience