First edition Bijlmer Classical
With a new series, it pays to start on a strong note: solo clarinetist Olivier Patey opened the concert on 22 October together with the talented thirteen-year-old pianist Maria Parfonova.
Later that evening, more piano students from the Davidsbündler Music Academy performed, all from Ukraine. This new training institute was founded by pianist Anna Fedorova and Nicky Schwartz, double bassist in the Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Accompanied by music by Clara Schumann, spoken word artist Zaire Krieger spoke poignant words about the nineteenth-century composer and her ambitions. Krieger concluded her text with words that hung in the air: “Why crawl, when you can fly.”
Nicky Schwartz then gave a dazzling performance on his double bass accompanied by pianist Borys Fedorov. During Brahms’ Clarinet Trio Nicky also proved to be excellent on the cello, alongside Olivier Patey on the clarinet and Dana Baltrushaititie on the piano.
In the hall meanwhile, it was amusing for the audience to discover that some musicians read their sheet music from an iPad, using foot pedals to turn the pages. “Smart,” it was whispered.
The next concert in the Bijlmer Classical series also promises to be a festival of surprises. Something with masks, dancing and very beautiful music from France… It’s called Bal Masqué and takes place on 11 December at 11am.