A new introit
Emma’s introit “Quasi modo geniti infantes” was sung by the Pancras Consort during the Evensong at the Hooglandse Kerk in Leiden. The text comes from the Gregorian Missal and it is the introit text for the second Sunday of Easter.
Liszt’s Via Crucis, live from the Netherlands
A live performance of Liszt’s ‘Via Crucis’ with pianist Willem Brons and the Justinus Ensemble, conducted by Brian Fieldhouse.
Liszt’s “Via Crucis” with Willem Brons
Willem Brons, pianist © Molenaar Photography
Together with the Justinus Ensemble and pianist Willem Brons, Emma will sing in Liszt’s “Via Crucis.” This performance will be broadcast on the Dutch TV channel Sleutelstad and on Emma’s You Tube channel.
“Via Crucis” was one of Liszt’s later works. Composed during a retreat in a monastery, the work is a musical depiction of the fourteen stations of the cross. The piano part, which will be realized by the internationally-acclaimed pianist Willem Brons, is much more contemplative and fragile than Liszt’s flamboyant earlier works.
Saturday, 3rd April, 2021, 13:00, Hooglandse Kerk, Leiden, the Netherlands, 13:00: online via this link.
Vivaldi’s ‘Stabat Mater’
On Good Friday, Emma will perform Vivaldi’s ‘Stabat Mater’ (RV621) with organist Willeke Smits. Vivaldi’s setting was composed in around 1727 is beautifully contemplative. The performance is part of the morning prayer of the Leidse Binnenstadsgemeente.
Friday, 2nd April, 2021, 10:00, Hooglandse Kerk, Leiden, the Netherlands: online via this link.
Mandy Thursday
Emma will join flautist Maryse Kuipe and organist Marcel van Duyvenboorde in the Bethelkerk Kerk in Scheveningen for the Maundy Thursday service. The repertoire includes ‘Erbarme dich’ from Bach’s St. Matthew Passion.
More information about the live stream can be found on the church’s website.
Thursday, 1ste April, 2021, Bethel Kerk, Scheveningen, the Netherlands, 19:30
‘Mirroir de Peine’ by Hendrik Andriessen
Photo: Harrie den Hertog
On Palm Sunday Emma will perform Hendrik Andriessen’s “Mirroir de Peine” with organist Willeke Smits in the Hooglandse Kerk.
‘Mirroir de Peine’ (‘Mirror of Suffering,’ 1923) consists of five short songs for voice and organ. The lyrics are poems by Henri Ghéon in which Mary observes and reflects on the torture and death of Jesus. The music is expressive and depicts the tenderness, the pain, and the acceptance of Mary.
The vespers, led by minister Margreet Klokke, can be viewed for one week after the broadcast.
Sunday, 28th March, 17:00, Hooglandse Kerk, Leiden, the Netherlands: online via this link.
Wim Witvliet, a 100-year old Dutch veteran
It was an honour to sing at the funeral of the 100-year old Dutch Veteran Willem Witvliet earlier this week.
Mr. Witvliet fought in the Slag om de Residentie in Leiden, the Netherlands, at the start of the Second World War; a battle which helped ensure that the Dutch royal family could escape safely. To my knowledge he was the last surviving veteran of this battle.
Mr. Witvliet marched past the Cenotaph on British Remembrance Day and joined the famous parade in Wageningen on Dutch Liberation Day. He also joined the tours of the Stichting Nederland-Amerika. His family requested me to sing “How Great Thou Art,” which I had sung at the immense American Cemetery, Margraten. It was a very special moment, for the veterans gradually joined in and their voices filled the chapel. Here is a video.
Every day until the end, Mr. Witvliet practised walking in his garden because he hoped to join the march past the Cenotaph this November.
Rest in peace, Mr. Witvliet, and thank you for your service.