MODERN FOLK

I’ve started playing with two incredible musicians, the Dutch mezzo-soprano, Karin Strobos, and the Belarussian pianist, Hanna Shybayeva. We had already decided to work together when we discovered by chance that each of us had recently created programs of pieces inspired by folk songs. So we joined forces and created a kaleidoscope program of solo, duo and trio pieces, blending voice, cello and piano, traveling across the world’s old cultures to sing the old musical tunes, revamped by classical composers.

Last week, we had our kickoff concert in a fairy-tale barn in the woods of Eastern Netherlands, rife with antler decorations (check out the reflection of the mirror in the photo), tapestries on the floor and the walls, flickering lighting, and ceilings so high that as to fade out of view. Before the concert began, the gracious hosts treated us tomato soup, then with bellies warmed, we went on a musical tour of Hungary, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and China, giving premieres of new trio arrangements of works by Brahms (by Wijnand van Klaveren) and De Falla (by us truly, Tom/Strobos/Shybayeva!). A highlight was having the poet, Piet Gebrandy, recite his own works before we played their musical setting in Fant de Kanter’s newest piece, Four Dutch Songs.

Many thanks to Ciska Gomperts of Compris Artists for organizing these concerts.

Mastering for my CD, “Folk Tunes, Translated”, also started this week. Thanks in advance, Guido Tichelman, for your sound engineering magic and your sharp ears! Hopefully the CD will be out by the concerts scheduled for later this year – I’ll keep you posted!