How do we describe the term 'quality' for the symphony orchestra? The South Netherlands Philharmonic took a first step to explore that issue. It seems to be easy to describe the quality of the orchestra performing a masterpiece. Perfect playing, inspiration, truth to the score etc. But what, if we want to describe the quality … Continue reading On doing being a stranger
A change in mindset with Montreal’s collectif 9
Yesterday evening I attended a performance of Canada's collectif9 - The Classical String Band at the Classical:NEXT conference in Rotterdam. It is an interesting example of how classical music can have a very different appearance with just a few adjustments. Collectif9 was founded in 2011 and consists of nine string players. The 30min show I saw … Continue reading A change in mindset with Montreal’s collectif 9
Germany’s “Most Innovative Orchestra of the Year”
The Deutsche Orchester Stiftung in Berlin has announced an award for "The Most Innovative Orchestra of the Year” (Innovatives Orchester des Jahres). Professional orchestra’s who work at least 32 weeks a season in Germany can apply. With the award the foundation wants to give more publicity to the continuing search for renewal that is already … Continue reading Germany’s “Most Innovative Orchestra of the Year”
The launch of the MCICM is a reason to celebrate
How it all started It all started about 30 months back: On October 31st, 2014. I had a meeting with Prof. Luc Soete, rector magnificus of the University of Maastricht. And in that meeting I talked for the first time about my idea to create an institute in which academic research would lead to new approaches … Continue reading The launch of the MCICM is a reason to celebrate
Centre for Innovation of Classical Music settles in Maastricht
On April 19, 2017 the University of Maastricht, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and the South Netherlands Philharmonic officially launched the Maastricht Centre for the Innovation of Classical Music (MCICM). The initiative for the MCICM was taken by Stefan Rosu, intendant of the South Netherlands Philharmonic. The Centre is a worldwide unique initiative. The MCICM … Continue reading Centre for Innovation of Classical Music settles in Maastricht
Innovation in access 3: How to use your mobile phone in the concert.
It seems an odd idea at first sight: To use your mobile phone in a concert to enhance the concert experience. Yet, it works for quite a substantial number of audience-members in the Netherlands. Many orchestras - including the orchestras in the Hague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and in the South actually use the app regularly. The … Continue reading Innovation in access 3: How to use your mobile phone in the concert.
Innovation in Access 2: Digital Introductions
Many music lovers like to attend an introduction to the evenings concert just half an hour before the concert starts. The South Netherlands Philharmonic introduced digital introductions and they became very successful. Here is the story: It all started with logistical problems. The introduction very often had to be in the same hall as the … Continue reading Innovation in Access 2: Digital Introductions
The Personal Portfolio Concept supports Change
What is the task and what are the responsibilities of an orchestra musician? Is the role model that is used by most established orchestras in the world still apt for the future? Or do we need to adapt that model? These very important question for everyone who is running an orchestra these days. They are … Continue reading The Personal Portfolio Concept supports Change
i-classics projects 2017-2018 announced
About two weeks ago the South Netherlands Philharmonic launched the new i-classics i-classics format, promising a surprising and interdisciplinary journey through todays word of art and technology. The first project Music & Theatre was received with enthusiasm by the audiences in Eindhoven, Maastricht and Tilburg. Today the orchestra announced four projects in the season 2017-2018 of great variety. … Continue reading i-classics projects 2017-2018 announced
Innovation in access 1: The Visual Listening Guide by Hannah Chan-Hartley
A defining factor of classical music is the fact, that it is first written by a composer and then performed by musicians. The score is therefore a central element for those who perform the music. But it can also be a tremendous help for the listener to understand what's in the score. But what, if … Continue reading Innovation in access 1: The Visual Listening Guide by Hannah Chan-Hartley
