Music of The Low Countries

A very interesting upcoming concert!
More information here: http://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2016/music-of-the-low-countries/wellington-region

​Belgium and The Netherlands have, for centuries, been centres of music making and composition. This concert features compositions from the 20th and 21st centuries which draw on the deep roots of the tradition. Only one piece in the programme has ever before been performed in New Zealand.
Miserere for choir, tubular bells, organ and strings (2006/2007) was written by Dutch composer Wietse Stuurman (b. 1976). Stuurman studied music at Amsterdam University with a special interest in ancient music, yet his compositions are also influenced by contemporary composers such as Arvo Pärt, and Henryk Gorecki. This work is a haunting setting of the psalm text.
Dutch composer Evert van Merode (b. 1980) studied in Amsterdam. His work Stabat Mater Dolorosa (2013) was originally written in 2011 for choir and piano. The Bach Choir will present a version reworked for choir, violin, cello, and harp. In this piece, one can hear Gregorian chant and influences by such composers as Nadia Boulanger. This is an evocative work depicting Mary standing at the foot of the Cross.
Flor Peeters (1903--1985) is quite possibly the foremost 20th century Belgian composer of religious music. At the age of twenty, he was appointed Organist at St. Rombout's Cathedral in Mechelen, a post he held for almost the rest of his life. He gave over 1200 organ recitals all over the world and wrote many publications, including A Practical Method for the Accompaniment of Gregorian Chant (1942). A prolific composer of liturgical and organ music, in particular, he also wrote many songs, piano and chamber music, and concerti for organ and other instruments. His Missa Festiva for a five part choir and organ was composed in 1947 and uses Gregorian chant as a unifying device. The work shows Peeters's fine sense of harmony, with influences by Jongen and Franck.
Huub de Lange was born in the Dutch city of Groningen in 1955 and studied at the University of Utrecht. He wrote in 2004 his seven movement Requiem in memory of his nephew. It is scored for choir and string quartet. This setting is a moving tribute to his nephew and shows the depth of emotion felt by the composer.
The programme will also feature some interludes for solo organ, performed by Douglas Mews.
The other musicians featured are Laura Barton, Vivian Stephens (violin); Aidan Verity (viola); Lucy Gijsbers (cello); Michelle Velvin (harp) and Jeremy Fitzsimons (percussion).
The director is Peter De Blois.