Clare’s Concert Choices | Feb 2024
Thinking of going to a concert this February? Hopefully some of the concert choices below will inspire you. Find concerts in Germany and all over The Netherlands featuring music from…
Shane van Neerden’s piano recital challenges all the senses
An enthusiastic audience in the Muziekcentrum, Enschede turned out to hear the young Dutch American pianist, Shane van Neerden perform a programme of Debussy, Scriabin, Ives and a new commission for two…
The story behind Nederlandse Reisopera’s latest production: Korngold’s Das Wunder der Heliane
Nederlandse Reisopera's latest production of Korngold’s Das Wunder der Heliane will be the first staged production of this opera in The Netherlands despite the work receiving its premiere nearly 100 years ago.…
De Leckernij serves up a feast of cheese
What lies behind the doors of a shop in the centre of the city, with a life-sized black and white cow outside the front door? Earlier this month, I met…
SHOT and Shaffy | A wonderful showcase for the cultural life of the University of Twente
Last night’s concert in the Muziekcentrum, Enschede was just that – a wonderful insight into the cultural life of our local university with a performance by the Student Harmonie Orkest…
Alexei Ogrintchouk appointed new Chief Conductor of Phion
Some very exciting news for music making in East Netherlands announced earlier today. Alexei Ogrintchouk is appointed the new Chief Conductor of the Phion Orchestra from May 2023. After spending 22…
Clare’s Musical Choices | May 2023
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…
Nederlandse Reisopera’s Fidelio makes opera truly accessible for all
Nederlandse Reisopera's latest production of Beethoven's only opera, Fidelio was a joint production with Den Kongelige Opera, Copenhagen (2020) and Teatr Wielki, Warsaw (2021). They were joined by Phion Orkest and Consensus Vocalis…
La Stans: A chocolate feast for all the senses
Easter is the busiest time of the year for a chocolatier, and La Stans Chocolaterie & Patisserie in Enschede, East Netherlands is no exception. As I chatted with Dennis Stans,…
Phion, Consenus Vocalis, Bach Twente and Rheinhard Goebel ensure an outstanding choral tradition lives on in East Netherlands
Friday night’s performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion under the baton of Reinhard Goebel, was a glorious celebration of the outstanding choral tradition that is so alive across the generations…