Anima Eterna Brugge . Jos van Immerseel

Did you know that twenty years ago Anima Eterna was founded to perform the Bach concert series in deSingel? To celebrate this anniversary not only will we be staging a concert but we will also record a CD with a large symphonic ensemble and a ground-breaking programme. During the concert, works from the first half of the twentieth century will be performed in their original biotope, which Anima Eterna will attempt to reconstruct for each composer. The music by the Parisian Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) is virtuoso, spiritual and innovative. His Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra is a true masterpiece. Jos van Immerseel's piano teacher, Eugène Traey, was one of the first to perform this work in concert. Manuel De Falla (1876-1946) was an orchestrator second to none. When reconstructing the original orchestral score of 'El Sombrero', Anima Eterna really delved into the soul of De Falla. The work will be performed for the first time using the comprehensive Nommick edition. With George Gershwin (1898-1937) Anima Eterna moves into a completely new landscape. 'An American in Paris' may sound like jazzy American music but it was published in Paris -- a city where Gershwin was happily immersed and where he had contact with Ravel and Milhaud. No doubt the car horns in the piece -- items that Gershwin bought personally in Paris -- will add to the party atmosphere.