Unknown Shades of America: American Art Songs

Program

Maury Yeston, Lori Laitman and Brittney Boykin; three living American composers who make no secret of their involvement with the world and who choose a musically accessible language to do so.

In 1993, Yeston wrote a 'new Winterreise' with the 'December Songs': not about a wandering man in nature but about a woman, wandering in a wintry New York. Laitman's songs are often about the stages of life, strongly influenced by her Jewish roots. And Boykin, as a 'black African-American composer', cannot do anything else than make a plea for the Black Lives Matter movement with her work.

This December concert will not leave you cold and will keep your inner fire warm.

The musicians

Ellen Pieterse is a versatile singer; classically trained, and she feels like a fish in water in music theatre performances. She explores the area between classical music and the lighter repertoire. As a teacher of vocal technique and methodology she is affiliated with the ArtEZ conservatories in Arnhem and Zwolle.

Steven Faber studied classical piano and specialized in working with singers. The repertoire can be anything between ca. the year 1600 and now. As program coordinator, research supervisor and pianist he works for the master's program of the ArtEZ conservatory in Zwolle.

This living room concert will take place in the living room of the canal house Rozengracht 55, a national monument from 1663. Steven will play a Steinway B grand piano (New York 1917).

Tickets include a drink afterwards.