For the first time scenicly in The Nederlands: Aquarius
Flemish composer Karel Goeyvaerts (1923-1993) wrote his Aquarius in 1993. Less than two weeks ago this piece saw its first `scenic` performance. Setting is hardly present because the composer did not want scenery. Also the 16 singers remain stationary. In Antwerp the Flemish Opera presented several performances of this ‘utopic opera’. The singers were members of the Netherlands Chamber Choir.
The same choir together with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the Dutch scenic premiere. This coming 21 June they will give a single performance of this accessible though static work. Its character is repetitive and neo-tonal. Aquarius’ subject is ‘the collective search for an ideal society in which every individual finds its position in full harmony’.
There is no story line, the singers mainly make use of imitative sounds. The opera lasts one and a half hours. Only in the final part real words are heard. Here the new Jerusalem is being described in eight languages with quotations from the Biblical book Apocalypse.
Read the review by Thea Derks of the world premiere of Aquarius at the Flemisch Opera in Antwerp, 9 Juni 2009.
Sunday 21 June 2009, 8.30 p.m.
7.45 p.m.: introduction in the BAM Zaal
Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ
Holland Festival
Karel Goeyvaerts
Aquarius
Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra
Netherlands Chamber Choir
Alejo Pérez, conductor
Pierre Audi, direction
Laatste aanpassing op Friday 19 June 2009
