deFilharmonie . Jaap Van Zweden

In 1913, after the white tutus in 'Les Sylphides', the unsuspecting Paris public expected to see something sweet and charming in Stravinsky's 'Le Sacre du Printemps'. What followed was no cheerful spring dance, but a raw primeval force of nature and the barbarian ritual offering of a young virgin. With mechanical, angular rhythms, outrageous harmonies and violent dynamics, Stravinsky, with a thunderous roar, left a deep and long-lasting impression on the twentieth-century music repertory. The Belgian composer Wim Henderickx demonstrates the same sort of openness to the unknown. He seeks his inspiration in ethnic, non-western cultures. Many of his works have been inspired by oriental music and philosophy. The new principal conductor of deFilharmonie, Jaap van Zweden, has largely proved to have a compelling musical vision. With his great love for musical theatre, he will undoubtedly wish to surpass himself by bringing primeval musical impulses to the podium.