Explorations

Roel Dieltiens and his Explorations ensemble are the ideal partners to start off this concert series of accessible masterpieces of classical music. With these pedigree musicians it is all about intense interpretation and communicating to a large audience, directly and warmly human. They start the evening with a work that many violinists play at an early stage in music school, Haydn's Fourth Violin Concerto. It is as if enthusiasm and the pleasure of playing were prescribed in the notation itself. Then comes the world famous Minuet from Boccherini's String Quintet, a humorous piece that well and truly sets the tone. Slotted in next is the amazing duet for cello and double bass by Rossini. And then back to Boccherini for a cello concerto, who was himself an outstanding cellist and wrote no less than eleven concertos for his instrument. The evening is nicely rounded off with Mendelssohn's Octet. It is this composer's first masterpiece, written when he was only sixteen. Radiant and commanding, vivid and full of fantasy, with a Scherzo that sizzles with positive energy. Guaranteed to make you leave in a joyous mood.