March 4 and 5, a Dutch orchestra called Noord Nederlands Orkest, will play the classical interpretations of Armin van Buuren during two concerts. A big selection of his catalogue will be translated into classical compositions, like In And Out Of Love, Touch me, Communication, Hymn, Wall of Sound, Exhale, The Sound of Goodbye, Shivers, Serenity, Zocalo and Blue Fear.
For these two special nights, orchestra arrangements were made by American composer Tom Trapp. He is a leading arranger for Frank Zappa’s tracks, and lets his own compositions be inspired by Steve Reich, Charles Ives, John Cage and John Adams. For this NNO-program, a special lasershow was designed and the chairs in the three concert halls will be out.
Interview with Marcel Mandos
Artistic manager and programmer Marcel Mandos explains why this seemingly unconventional program - of which the idea came to life about 1,5 years ago - perfectly connects with the artistic vision of the Orchestra. “I’m sure there’ll be quite some frowning in connection with this concert, but that can and may never be the reason to abandon the concert, especially not since the orchestra likes to be renewing”, so he says. “At the NNO, we see it as our job to keep attracting a new audience. Exploring the boundaries is part of that, and it characterizes our artistic policy. Besides, it’s not in our nature to make a distinction between high and low art, whatever that may be.”
Quality is all that matters
Marcel:”We don’t like to stereotype any form of art anyway. We notice that with every new generation, the borders between conventions and styles fade. Why would a symphonic orchestra restrict itself to ‘real’ classical music? Our complete program is a musical caleidoscoop. Projects can be very different, as long as they live up to our quality standards.“
The line of Stravinsky and minimal music
“Armin van Buuren may not appeal everyone, but we think it has to be heard. Remember that he manages to put a complete generation – on all different continents – into a frenzy. His energetic music connects with the emotional world of youngsters. That’s what fascinates us so much about it. Again, in music it’s not about the difference of genres, but purely about the emotion. Every perception that comes from music, we find interesting. Next to that, I dare to say that composers of minimal music, such a Reich, Glass and Eno, have been the big pioneers for the house scene. And for them, a man like Stravinsky – think of the many repetitions in ‘Sacre du Printemps’ – was important. Armin van Buuren may not be their successor in the symphonic type of music, but his intention is the same; bringing people in a state of trance, based on repetition, pulsation and the continuous ostinato.“
Housy evening with pulsating beats and laser
Marcel Mandos explains a bit about the program:”We asked Tom Trapp to arrange Armin’s tracks into works for the orchestra. It’s the art of translating that high pace, those beats and the typical sounds into orchestral music. I haven’t heard the result yet, but I think the music will get a richer colour spectrum thanks to the symphonic strength. We aimed to create a night of dance. The program will last an hour and the music will be played non-stop. The main difference between an Armin van Buuren performance is that he adjusts his mixing to the ‘temperature’ of the crowd in front of him, while the NNO program has a completely fixed program. In the future, I hope to take it even further in mixing dance and symphonic music. I picture the NNO playing ‘Sacre du Printemps’ or the ‘Four Seasons’ and that Armin van Buuren or one of his colleagues flawlessly mixes that to the next. Just wait and see, it’s about to happen!”
But first, it’s time for the Dutch cities of Leeuwarden and Groningen to be treated to a late-night concert with official afterparty. Tickets are only € 25 or € 15,- for students. For more info about the Noord Nederlands Orkest and the nights, check the website of the Noord Nederlands Orkest.
Radio 4 broadcasts this concert live on Friday night the 5th of March. The concert is also live visible via the webcast on
Radio 4 - radio 4 - Home - De publieke zender voor klassieke muziek - Klassiek leeft op 4 .
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