Artists: Jolente De Maeyer (Violin), Nikolaas Kende (Piano)
Concert Sponsor: The C & M Pike Trust
Opening the concert, Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in G major, Op. 30 No. 3 is the last of three violin sonatas composed just a few weeks after his contemplation of suicide owing to increasing deafness. Its exuberance, effortlessness and delicious spirit is testament to Beethoven's indomitable determination and willpower.
Then witness the two Auerbach Preludes and Arvo Pärt's Fratres for Violin and Piano, both with sparse textures, but contrasting dynamics and emotional range, the Pärt expressing almost sacred mysticism.
Brahms' Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108 moves from restless instability, through gossamer, transparency and melting beauty, to a violent, seemingly orchestral finale.
Then, to finish the concert, be transported to old Vienna by Kreisler's Liebesleid / Liebesfreud – Love's Sorrow/Love's Joy – and leave the concert tapping your feet!
Leading Belgian soloists Jolente De Maeyer and Nikolaas Kende have been performing together for 20 years, touring extensively in the USA, China, South Africa, and Europe. Known for their 'symbiotic playing', 'pervasive lyricism', and 'powerful yet poetic playing', they are recognized as one of the leading musical duos in Europe. Both are professors at conservatories in Belgium and the Netherlands and have given masterclasses worldwide.
Jolente De Maeyer is one of Belgium's foremost violinists, and she is celebrated for her virtuosity and passionate interpretations. She has won numerous international competitions and has performed with major orchestras across Europe and the United States. Her recordings, including concerti by Saint-Saëns and Vieuxtemps, have received high praise. Jolente studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School and continued her education in London, Berlin, and Waterloo. She is currently a professor at the Conservatory of Tilburg and the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp.
Nikolaas Kende is acclaimed for his poetic and passionate musicality. A winner of several competitions, he has performed as a soloist with major orchestras. He has toured extensively in Europe, America, and China. His debut CD with Jolente De Maeyer, "Kreutzer Sonata," won a Golden Label from Klassiek Centraal. Nikolaas studied in Antwerp, Amsterdam, Munich, and Fiesole, and has worked with renowned artists like Murray Perahia and Radu Lupu. He is a professor of piano at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp.
Join us to finish the season in the company of this remarkable duo.