The children’s choir of the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam

Emma has had a productive month working on two very different composition commissions.

The Sweelinckcantorij in Amsterdam commissioned Emma to write a piece for the children’s choir of the Oude Kerk as part of their 50-year celebrations, from a poem by Dutch author Karel Eykman. The poem, ‘Pesach,’ links Exodus to Easter. Emma’s setting, for unison children’s choir and chamber organ, contrasts the urgengy of the refugees’ situation with the serenity of the Easter message.

The second composition was for the Salvation Army choir in Leiden, for whom Emma plays the piano as a volunteer. The text was by scholar Raene Sijbom. The piece conforms to the style of music that is usually sung by the choir and was written with the abilities of the singers in mind. The result, “Ik leef voor U,” is a simple but moving four-part song with piano accompaniment.

Future commissions include writing for the inauguration of the Father Willis organ in the Hooglandse Kerk te Leiden in spring 2016, and for Musica da Lima‘s forthcoming tour to Rome.