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International Music Festival
Echternach

Festival International Echternach - logo


Programme 2010

CLASSICAL
Wednesday 17 March

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm

Krystian Zimerman piano F. Chopin

(2nd Piano Sonata in b-minor op. 35 with the „Marche Funèbre“;
3rd Piano Sonata in h-minor op. 58, a.o.)

Could there have been a better musician than Krystian Zimerman who is undoubtably
linked to Chopin for the 200th birthday of this huge romantic composer? Winner of the
Chopin Competition of Warsaw in 1975 at only 18 years Zimerman is a quiet and
extremely ambitious musician performing only a few times per year. A concert which
you should not miss!

Saturday 29 May

Basilica Echternach

8.30 pm

Claudio Monteverdi : « Vespro della Beata Vergine »
Cantus Cölln & Concerto Palatino
Dir. Konrad Junghänel

Founded in 1987 by Konrad Junghänel, the vocal ensemble Cantus Cölln has made
itself an international reputation thanks to its wonderful interpretations of ancient
music. They return to Echternach to perform Claudio Monteverdi’s pompous “Vêpres
de la Vierge Marie” from 1610 to which the composer owes his celebrity as
composer of religious music.
Sunday 30 May

SS. Peter-and-Paul Church Echternach

8 pm
"Music of Spain's three cultures"

Accentus austria Dir. Thomas Wimmer Cesar Carazo tenor

Christian, Arabic and Sephardic

Music Accentus Austria, which is known for its ability to perform with brilliance and
knowledge the splendors of Sephardic, Arab and Christian music of medieval Spain, will
present a night full of bewitched rhythms and bright colors of the Orient and the
Occident.

Sunday 6 June

SS. Peter-and-Paul Church Echternach

8 pm

"Tribute to Isaac Albéniz" (« Iberia » - complete work)

Fernando Altamura book 1
Calogero Di Liberto book 2
Pedro Valero Abril book 3
Carles Marin book 4

With his music full of colors, Isaac Albéniz, who got inspired by the richness and the
possibilities of folklore, contributed to give a new identity to Spanish music. The top
of his work is “Iberia”, a cycle full of virtuosity to which the composer dedicated
the last years of his life. Iberia is interpreted by four pianists who present all of
Spain in music to the public.

Thursday 10 June

SS. Peter-and-Paul Church Echternach

8 pm

"Viennese classic" Mandelring Quartett

J. Haydn (String Quartet in G-major op. 64 n° 4),
W.A. Mozart (String Quartet in F-major Kv 590),
L.v. Beethoven (String Quartet in C-major op. 59/3)

A great acoustic imagination, an exceptional sense of drama and the ability of listening
well to each other make of the Mandelring Quartet an exceptional ensemble performing
the great Vienna composers like Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. The program will be
highlighted by three works of them.

Friday 11 June

Basilica Echternach

8.30 pm

Solistes Européens, Luxembourg
Dir. Christoph König
Daniel Hope violin

L.v. Beethoven (Coriolan, ouverture in c-minor op. 62),
J. Brahms (Violin concerto),
L.v. Beethoven (6th Symphony in F-major op. 68 « Pastorale »)
Sunday 13 June

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm

Vivaldi: « Human Passion »

Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca
Giuliano Carmignola violin

A. Vivaldi (Concerto in g-minor RV 153 for strings and b.c. ;
Sonate in d-minor « Follia » op. 1 n° 12 RV 63 for two violin s, cello and b.c.;
Concerto in F-major RV 551 for three violins, viola and b.c. ;
Concerto in e-minor « Il Favorito » RV 277 for violin, strings and b.c.;
Concerto in E-major « L’Amoroso » RV 271 for violin, strings and b.c.;
Concerto in c-minor « Il Sospetto » RV 199 for violin strings and b.c.;
Concerto in Dmajor « L’inquietudine » RV 234 for violin, strings and b.c.;
Concerto in C-major « Il Piacere » op. 8 RV 180 for violin, strings and b.c.)

There are many words to describe the splendor of the intense sonorities of the
“Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca” and here are just a few: perfect technique, superb
articulations, refined virtuosity and magnificent colors. Their interpretations of
Vivaldi are simply sublime and bear a magic “affeto” and an
exhilarating sensuality.

Tuesday 15 June

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm

Patricia Kopatchinskaja violin
Sol Gabetta violoncello
Henri Sigfridsson piano

J. Haydn (Piano Trio in G-major, Hob.XV/25 « Gypsy Trio »),
J. Brahms (Piano Trio in B-major),
D. Chostakovitch (Trio for piano, violin and violoncello n° 2, e-minor op. 67)

Take the inner fire of pianist Henri Sigfridsson, add to it the explosive power of
violonist Patricia Kopatchinskaja and the exiting sensitiveness and passion of Sol
Gabetta and you will get an irresistibly powerful trio that leaves no one indifferent.
Be prepared to spend an adventurous night full of ardour.

Friday 18 June

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm

Orchestre de Chambre du Luxembourg
« Les musiciens »
Dir. Nicolas Brochot
Françoise Groben violoncello


A. Mullenbach (world premiere : « Evocations héroiques »,
     Tribute to « John the Blind »),
C. Saint-Saëns (Cello Concerto in a-minor op. 33),
L.v. Beethoven (4th Symphony)

Saturday 19 June

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm

Bach-Recital
Martin Stadtfeld piano

J.S. Bach (French Overture in h-minor, BWV 831; 3 chorals BWV 659, 639 and 734;
Goldberg-Variations, BWV 988)

To quote the German weekly paper “Die Zeit” Bach is certainly the alpha and omega
of the thinking of Martin Stadtfeld, very promising pianist of the new generation.
It is thus no surprise that this “exceptional talent” who had already been compared
to Glenn Gould will come to Echternach accompanied by his favourite composer.

Sunday 20 June

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm


Borodin Quartet
Oleg Maisenberg piano

J. Brahms (String Quartet nº 2 in a-minor op. 51 n° 2 ;
Quintet for piano and strings in f-minor op. 34)

The Borodin Quartet has existed for 65 years now, has profoundly marked the
modern history of string quartets and has been, until now, one of the best quartets.
In order to explore two summits of its repertoire, the quartet has invited the
Ukranian pianist Oleg Maisenberg, one of the great masters in piano, to join them.

Thursday 24 June

Philharmonie Luxembourg

20.00


Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg
Dir. Jean Deroyer
Prizewinners of the Queen-Elisabeth-Competition 2010 (piano)

Competition dates : 03.05 – 14.06.2010

The names of the prizewinners and the program will be published
in the press immediately after the final of the competition.

Friday 25 June

SS. Peter-and-Paul Echternach

8 pm


« Music in Caravaggio’s Paintings »

Odhecaton
Dir. Paolo Da Col

Works of Baulduin, De Layolle, De Berchem, Da Palestrina, Arcadelt, Anerio, Giovanelli,
Nanino, Frescobaldi, Bertani, Kapsperger, Olivieri

In order to describe the style of the Italian ensemble Odhecaton (meaning 100
melodies) you have to mention the strong and powerful typically Mediterranean
expression. The ensemble will be conducted by Paolo da Col, the outstanding
specialist of Renaissance composers and is situated at the very opposite of English
ensembles.


Thursday 1 July

SS. Peter-and-Paul Echternach

8 pm


Haydn Trio Eisenstadt
Lorna Anderson soprano

J. Haydn (Trio for piano, violin and violoncello in C-major Hob. XV/27; “Schottische Lieder”),
L.v. Beethoven (Trio for piano, violin and violoncello “Geistertrio”, D-major op. 70/1)

“There is no current piano trio formation committed so intensively to Haydn’s work
as the Haydn-Trio Eisenstadt” (Fono Forum). Along with the Scottish soprano Lorna
Anderson they have mesmerized both the critics and the audience with Haydn’s
Scottish Songs (“Delightful””, The Gramophone) which in Echternach are musically
surrounded by two trios of Haydn and Beethoven.

Friday 2 July

Philharmonie Luxembourg

8 pm

Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Dir. Yakov Kreizberg
Daniel Müller-Schott violoncello

I. Stravinski (Pulcinella Suite; The Firebird),
A. Dvorak (Cello Concerto in h-minor op. 104)

Winner of the Stokowski Competition and very demanded in the whole world today,
Yakov Kreizberg comes to the Echternach Festival accompanied by “his” orchestra
from Monte Carlo with two superb Stravinsky ballets and the concerto of concertos
for cello - the one by Dvorak - performed by the young soloist Daniel Müller-Schott
who is “incontestably the biggest cellist of his generation” (Sunday Times).

Thursday 15 July

SS. Peter-and-Paul Echternach

8 pm

EUBO
Dir. Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Huw Daniel concertmaster

« Maladies et Mélodies»

J. D. Zelenka (Hipocondrie a 7 concertanti in A),
P. A. Locatelli (Concerto Grosso in D op. 1 no 5),
T. Albinoni (Concerto for 2 oboes in F op. 9 no 3),
H. I. F. Biber (Battalia), M.-A. Charpentier (Suite from Le Malade Imaginaire),
A. Vivaldi (Concerto for strings in g RV 157),
G. Muffat (Concerto Grosso III in B Convalescentia)

Sunday 17 October

SS. Peter-and-Paul Echternach

8 pm

EUBO
Dir. Ton Koopman harpsichord
Zefira Valova concertmaster

« The Dutch Connection »

G. F. Handel (Concerto Grosso op. 6 no 2 in F),
P. Hellendaal (Concerto Grosso op. 3 no 1 in g minor),
P. A. Locatellli (Introduzione teatrale op. 4 no 4 in G),
G. F. Handel (Concerto Grosso op. 6 no 1 in G),
U. W. Van Wassenaer (Concerto Armonico no 1 in G),
G. Ph. Telemann (Tafelmusik III Suite et Conclusion in B flat)

Tuesday 9 November

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm

EUBO
Dir. Christina Pluhar

Sol. Hannah Morrison (soprano), Luciana Mancini (mezzo-soprano), Reinoud van
Mechelen (tenor), Yannis François (baritone, dancer), n.n. (dancer) Tuomo Suni
concertmaster


« Gods, Heroes… and mere Mortals »

P. F. Cavalli (Suite to « Ercole Amante ») which J.B. Lully & A. Caldara interspersed
with ballet interludes, entrées and arias.

Friday 3 December

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm

EUBO
Dir. Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Maria Keohane soprano
Huw Daniel concertmaster

« Handel, a dramatic Genius »

Handel (Overture to Alcina HWV34; Concerto Grosso op. 6 no 10 in d minor
interspersed three operatic arias; Accompagnied recitative and aria from Alcina ;
Ballet music from Alcina ; Overture from Admeto, HWV 22; Cantata: Ero et Leandro
HWV 150)

JAZZ

Friday 24 September

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm

„African Woodoo“

Manu Dibango & Soul Makossa Gang

Manu DIBANGO (saxophone, marimba, vocals)
Raymond DOUMBE (bass, vocals)
Jacques CONTI-BILONG (drums)
Patrick MARIE-MADELAINE (guitar)
Julien AGAZAR (keyboards)
Valérie EKOUME (vocals)
Jonathan HANDELSMAN (sax alto, flute)
Guy NWOGANG (percussion)

Saturday 25 September

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm

“Palindrome”

Billy Cobham Band

Billy COBHAM (drums)
Jean-Marie ECAY (guitars)
Fifi CHAYEB (bass)
Christophe CRAVERO (keyboard, violin)
Camelia BEN NACEUR (keyboard)
Junior GILL (steel pan)

Friday 1 October

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm

„Through Life“

Elie Maalouf Quintet - Oriental Jazz

Elie MAALOUF (piano)
Hubert DUPONT (bass)
Geoffroy DE MASURE (trombone)
Elie DURIS (drums)
Nader MORCOS (percussion)

Saturday 02 October

Trifolion Echternach

8 pm

“Blow up my world”

Fanny Bériaux & Band

Fanny BERIAUX (vocals)
Manu BONETTI (guitar)
Boris SCHMIDT (double bass)
Jérôme BAUDART (drums, cornet)

Friday 08 October

Philharmonie Luxembourg

8 pm

In collaboration with the Philharmonie Luxembourg

Thomas Quasthoff Quintet

Thomas QUASTHOFF (vocals)
Frank CHASTENIER (piano)
Chuck LOEB (guitar)
Dieter ILG (bass)
Wolfgang HAFFNER (percussion)

Friday 17 December

Philharmonie Luxembourg

8 pm

Craig Adams & The Voices of New Orleans

Gospels



- Programme subject to change -

Written reservations or bookings may be made through www.echternachfestival.lu



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Every year since 1975, an International Music Festival that can certainly compete with the more renowned European events of the kind, takes place in the town of Echternach in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Yehudi Menuhin, Gidon Kremer, Mstislav Rostropovitch, Maurice André, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, to name but a few, have performed here alongside young talent from both Luxembourg and abroad. Music from the baroque, classical, and romantic period is performed, as well as more modern pieces. Indeed, almost every season, living composers are guests of the festival.
 
 

Echternach Abbey




There's hardly another festival which can lay claim to such a delightful setting as the small but historically important border town of Echternach. A genuine feast for both ears and eyes is on offer in the two early medieval churches, the settings for the concerts.
The larger of the two churches, the basilica of St Willibrord, is set in the midst of an 18th Century abbey in the town's historical and cultural centre. The harmonious ensemble, with its crypt from the Carolingian era, has enticed Claude Chabrol to make a film with Cyprien Katsaris, the festival's artistic director.
The other hall, the parish church of St Peter and Paul set on a hillock overlooking the town, is smaller and has a much more intimate ambiente. The buildings trace their origin back to earlier edifices that were given to the monk Willibrord by the abbess Irmina of Trier upon his arrival from Britain in 698 A.D.. These were later turned to religious use.

Musicians and Pilgrims at the Dancing Procession




The town of Echternach is no stranger to the sound of music. From the 8th Century to the French Revolution, Benedictine monks have sung here, and the strains of the Dancing Procession have been heard in these streets for well over 500 years. Thus it comes as no surprise that some idealists - among them the pianist Cyprien Katsaris - have sought to merge music and architecture in these venerable walls, an idea which has fallen on fertile soil and has found many friends and supporters. Witness the honorable committee under the chairmanship of Pierre Werner, the long-term Prime Minister of Luxembourg, with members like Menuhin, Weissenberg, Rostropovitch, André, Hager, and many other famous names from the world of politics and society. Much interest in the festival was shown from over the border in Germany, leading to concerts being held in the nearby town of Bitburg.
 
 

Echternach Market Square




Concert visitors spending a couple of days in Echternach will have ample time to sample the local sights, such as the medieval market place, the gothic town hall, the baroque abbey with its park and rococo pavillion, or the recreation area around the 40 ha (99 acres) lake, in whose vicinity a roman villa of 1.8 ha (4.5 acres) has been excavated in 1976. The forests surrounding Echternach are at the heart of Luxembourg's "Little Switzerland", set in the Germano-Luxembourg Nature Park, and offer the opportunity of extensive walks along the multitude of hiking paths that criss-cross the area. Last but certainly not least, we should mention the numerous Hotels of the area, offering traditional hospitality, as well as Michelin-starred gastronomy.
 
 

Schiessentümpel in the Müllerthal region




A number of exhibitions are showing in the cloisters of Echternach abbey during the time of the festival, and two museums beckon the visitors: The Museum of Prehistory, and the Museum of the Abbey. The latter was opened in 1987 and displays replicas of scriptures made in Echternach. Sadly, the originals of these scriptures are nowadays coveted treasures of museums all over the world, and thus cannot be shown in their place of origin.



Honorable committee:
SANTER Georges, chairman,
ALEX Julien, 1st vice-president, CALTEUX Georges, vice-president, PRIM Eugène, vice-president, MICHELS Léon, treasurer, MEISCH Adrien, président d'honneur

Associated Members:
BRITTEN Ralf, DIEDERICH Marc, FLESCH Colette, ISRAEL Edmond, JUNG Adrien, MEYER Alain, MULLENBACH Alexander, SIETZEN Roger, THIEL Lucien, WALIN Théo, WURTH Pierre, ZIMMER René

 


International Music Festival Logo




For further information, please contact:

Festival Echternach
P.O. Box 30
L-6401 Echternach
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Tel: (+352) 72 83 47
Fax: (+352) 72 71 12
musique@pt.lu

President: Adrien Meisch
Artistic Director: Cyprien Katsaris
Administrative Director: Mariette Scholtes


Luxembourg Tourist Office - London

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last update: 13 March, 2010