Daan Esch, Hendrickje Van Kerckhove & Inge Spinette

Daan Esch’s ‘Stem’ introduces an entirely new literary voice. This gripping historical novel is based on the tragic lives of castrati singers in the 17^th century. There are three different storylines: an orphan boy who struggles through his vocal training, an up-and-coming diva who needs to become reconciled with her demons, and a fishmonger who has chosen a roving existence. ‘Stem’ is a staggering debut, a unique composition, written in a language that melts on the tongue. The book reads like a literary opera against the background of 17^th century Italy, an allegory about the fragile power of the voice and the destructive impact of silence.
Soprano Hendrikje Van Kerckhoven and pianist Inge Spinette will be adding sparkle to the book launch with baroque arias by Handel and his contemporaries.
The artist Beatrijs Lombaerts will be unveiling the artwork that she created on the basis of the manuscript.
In collaboration Uitgeverij Lannoo