The Isle Of Life: Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen invites De Beren Gieren

Since Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen kept resident in Muziekcentrum De Bijloke (Ghent) and was looking for a new collaboration, the choice for brand new city composer Fulco Ottervanger was evident. The composer & pianist of De Beren Gieren wrote a new musical piece called 'The Isle of Life', which is an answer to ‘The Isle of Death’ by Rachmaninov. The composition will be performed by Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen - obviously - together with his jazz trio De Beren Gieren. In his music, Fulco Ottervanger places non judgement, vitality, hope & playfulness opposite to Rachmaninov's dark Judgement Day. This is musically translated in leaving space for improvisation and openness to the unknown. The orchestra will play with uncontrolled situations and unexpected elements, which he calls - pun intended - 'islands' in the orchestra, based on texture, frequency, metre etc. "I didn't want it to be an antithesis, a complete contradiction, since life and death are so intertwined. You'll certainly recognise some references to Rachmaninov in my piece."

‘The Isle of Life’ premieres this week in three Flemish cities. Expect a classical concert that will charm jazz lovers. Don't miss this unique cross-over project:

23.11 Concertgebouw Brugge, Bruges

24.11 Muziekcentrum De Bijloke, Ghent

26.11 deSingel, Antwerp

More info & tickets available here.

Wanna know more? Read the full interview with composer Fulco Ottervanger here or watch the explicatory video.