Amsterdam - The Amstel Quartet and Ties Mellema/Wijnand Van Klaveren played a succesful half recital in the 'Young Dutchmen' series in the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on October 28th.
The whole concert will compete against the other 'Young Dutchmen' in the series for the Mees Pierson Award (€10.000,-). The others are: Tjeerd Top (violin), Lavinia Meijer (harp)and Thomas Oliemans (baritone), Matthijs van de Woerd (baritone). The winners will be announced on June 3rd 2007 in the Concertgebouw.

Yesterday we did a concert at the Royal Concertgebouw and it was good

Yesterday we did a concert at the Royal Concertgebouw and it was good. I feel ok about it. I live towards this concert for a year I think but we did good. Before the break I played with Wijnand and after with the quartet. It was the Young Dutchmen series, so it was very exciting. At the end of the season we might win a prize. There 4 other young dutchmen in the series and we compete 'against' them (ao Thomas Oliemans!)

I thought the tension was over now, but in Decmeber I have another important concert! with a completely different programma. Luckily a programma which I have done many times before!

My last post was September 14th

My last post was September 14th. I don't have so much time off it seems. Well, the last twee weeks were very very busy (can I write about seomthing else in this blog?). I've been doing a lot.
I've been doing some thinking. The last two months there were two occassions that a Dutch classical saxophone player who I admire very much has been spreading his opinion about me. Which is his right of course. But it turns out he is not enthusiastic about my playing at all anymore. I had lessons with him in the last ten years, I went out to eat and drink with him, he wrote very good letters of recommendation for me, and now his opinion turned around. In August after my performance in the Grachtenfestival I came up to him to ask him what he thought and he said he hated it, he hated the repertory and in fact he hated everything we (me and Wijnand, the quartet) we did. It was ok sax playing, but not musical, we didn;t listen to other instruments and we were focussed on our instrument only. We had no reference. Apparantly he has been telling other people this, and via via I heard he is now saying that I can't play a straight tone, and I am winning al these prizes and I am in the media. Granted, these are rumours, but there's smoke, and somewehere a fire. I will call this guy one of these days. I did send hium my new Cd, but never got an answer. I thought our professional relation was ok, but apparantly it's not. I don;t really know what's going on.
I guess I shouldn't mind too much. It might be what happens when you're (relatively!!!) succesful...

A review in Friesch Dagblad in September of Mellema and van Klaveren's concert in Museum Belvedere: "two very talented musicians', "passion and drive flowed from all sides. The technique was completely subordinate to the work that was played. There was no obstacle to bring the musical content to the audience and to let them enjoy the music as much as the musicans.", "beautiful classical saxophone tone", "great unity in ensemble playing and the colouring of the movements according to their content. Here played together two incredible musical talents that understand each other flawlessly"," The fierce emotion combined with lyricism were excellently demonstrated with all subtle dynamic nuances.". (25-9-06, Friesch Dagblad)

The first review (Dutch only) of Grab it! in de Leeuwarder Courant: "He is no talent anymore but a grandmaster, for whom the saxophone has no secrets anymore."

First full day off (well, one lesson of one hour at 1800) since a loon...

First full day off (well, one lesson of one hour at 1800) since a loong time. I've been trying to plan Ailed en my weekend off this weekend. But everything's full. Well, we are quite late.

My new Cd got some good reviews that I was really happy with. If you reached this blog, you've read them most likely on my website.

Teaching started. Tuesday is my fill teaching day in both Arnhem and Tilburg. Busy day, 4 hours travelling and 8 hours or something teaching. But it's nice, it inspires me!.

Yesterday Wijnand and I had a masterclass with clarnettist Charles Nei...

Yesterday Wijnand and I had a masterclass with clarnettist Charles Neidich. We played the Mendelssohn Cello Sonata (for baritone saxophone and piano). We were afraid he wouldn't appreciate it but he did very much so. He even played the piece on bass clarinet before. He like our interpretation of the piece and had some good tips for us. I am very enthusiastic about this piece I must say. It is a world in itself, I keep working on it even when I am not playing it.
Very good music, it adds an extra dimension to the collaboration with Wijnand. This is a new step in our development. Sounds pretentious maybe, but that's how I feel it!