Although very international in outlook, the New European Ensemble resides in the Netherlands. With their feet firmly planted on Dutch soil, an appearance during Gaudeamus Muziekweek was a must.
For the Finnish composer Sebastian Hilli the history of music is a musical treasure chest from which he draws much inspiration. For Paraphrase II he refers to the music of John Coltrane, but he also scrounges from the acid house genre. The work Reflections on the theme B-A-C-H by leading lady of new music, Sofia Goebajdoelina, offers a very different historical perspective. With a heart-rending intensity she throws new light on Bach’s music.
Contrasting with this is the cheerful and witty Fantasy on Reliquias Porteñas by Lam Lai, inspired by the South American style of music called Milonga, from which the tango originated. Supplemented by new music from Giuliano Bracci, which is rooted in the motets of Josquin Desprez, this programme takes us on a wonderful journey during which we encounter many musical movements from history.
Photo © Joris-Jan Bos
New European Ensemble
Sebastian Hilli - Paraphrase II – ”Giant steps and eden acid”
Sofia Goebajdoelina - Reflections on the theme B-A-C-H
Giuliano Bracci - new work
Lam Lai - Fantasy on Reliquias Porteñas