Back in 2013, during my very first masterclass, I was approached by two bassoonists. They played in a youth orchestra that had, just a month earlier, won first prize at the prestigious
@scl_festival in Vienna—effectively naming them the best youth orchestra in the world. They were looking for someone to join their ranks.
The rest is history. A month later, I joined the
@euregio.youth.orchestra , and over the next seven years, I went from fourth bassoon to section leader, picked up invaluable lessons both musically and personally, and even had the chance to arrange several pieces for the orchestra.
Now, twelve years later, the orchestra returned to the Summa Cum Laude Festival and asked me to write a brand new orchestral piece to take to Vienna. And with success: after four concerts across Flanders and the Netherlands, they brought Assin Íarthar to the
@radiokulturhaus , the
@muthkonzertsaal , and—most incredibly—the Golden Hall of the world-famous
@musikverein.wien . And just like in 2013, the Euregio Jeugdorkest once again took home first prize.
I’m deeply grateful to the orchestra, whose members truly gave everything to bring the music to life; to the board; and to conductor
@casteleynhans , for their trust in letting me compose the compulsory contemporary work. This opportunity has meant far more than just the piece itself and its journey to Vienna—it also includes everything I had the pleasure of learning during my years in the orchestra, and everything I’ve continued to learn throughout this project.
Here’s a little snippet from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein. Live recordings from
@schouwburgconcertzaaltilburg and RadioKulturhaus are already up on YouTube—with more, including a studio recording, on the way.
