RE(f-v)ERENCE
I Solisti & Spectra
Around Kaija Saariaho's Solar, three women composers from different generations reflect on loss and tribute. Annelies Van Parys’ Threnody weaves a lament inspired by Josquin Desprez and personal grief. Saskia Venegas’ The White Lotus ascends from dark depths into meditative beauty, dedicated to Wim Henderickx. Ellen Jacobs’ work, inspired by Saariaho’s spatial thinking, completes the tribute.
...like a sunny harmony that spreads its rays everywhere after which they return again and again to the core. This is how Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho (1952-2923) describes her work 'Solar'. Around this shining work, three female creators, from as many different generations, create resounding reflections as reverence. The new piece 'Threnody' by Annelies Van Parys (°1975) commissioned by I SOLISTI, SPECTRA and Muziekcentrum De Bijloke premiered last May in Ghent. Threnody is a lament for which Van Parys took inspiration from the chanson 'Nymphes des Bois', the famous 'Déploration sur la mort d'Ockeghem' by Josquin Desprez. Also Van Parys' work is a tribute to an inspiring fellow composer. The phrase "Vous avez perdu votre bon père" from Josquin's lamento took on a very special additional layer of meaning for her during the composing process due to a personal loss. In 'The White Lotus' by Saskia Venegas (b. 1983), the lament and the homage to the master also play a crucial role. From dark depths, the composer begins a sonic path that gradually ascends and transforms into colourful ethereally undulating melodies. The journey ends in a peaceful meditative state, as an enchanting in memoriam to her guide Wim Henderickx. 'My favourite activity was walking in the forest after the rain when the leaves of the trees were still wet. They echoed the birdsong differently, as if the forest was one big echo chamber.' These words by Saariaho inspired Ellen Jacobs (b. 1996). In her tribute, references to the late composer's spatial thinking form the starting point. At Transit in Leuven and November Music Den Bosch 2024, new works by Saskia Venegas and Ellen Jacobs will see the light of day. Beams on their way back to the core, altered by time and space ProgramA. Van Parys, Threnody ( world creation)E. Jacobs, world creation S. Venegas, White Lotus (world creation)K. Saariaho, Solar CreditsEnsemble: I SOLISTI and SPECTRA Conductor: Filip Rathé Creation Annelies Van Parys (2024): commissioned by I SOLISTI, SPECTRA & Muziekcentrum De BijlokeCreation Ellen Jacobs (2024): commissioned by TRANSITCreation Saskia Venegas (2024): commissioned by November Music
