Saturday 23 April, 2.15pm and 4pm: Stairway to Music by Asko|Schönberg and the Muziekgebouw is a intimate listening experience of 40 minutes on the steps of Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ.
Stairway to Music was inspired by a story told at the farewell gathering of conductor/pianist Reinbert de Leeuw, who died in 2020.
When Reinbert played the piano in his flat, the residents of his apartment building would silently take their seats in the stairwell to listen. Unnoticed, the musician shared his sounds with the entire building and its residents. An unprecedented intimacy in which distance actually enhances the experience.
In the entrance hall of the Muziekgebouw, audiences can enjoy a similar experience. Listeners take a seat informally on the steps. The building's space is utilised, in such a way that you experience the music as if it were 'around you' and not coming from the stage.
In this Stairway to Music the audience is treated to new works by Dutch composers as well as Reinbert's favourites. The whisper-soft Air by Aart Strootman forms an intimate combination with Sofia Goebaidoelina's Silenzio for bajan, violin and cello. The brand new Incanto Ionico by composer Robin de Raaff is assisted by Claude Vivier's Paramirabo, where the musicians, while whistling and 'glissanding', transform the Muziekgebouw into a colourful and resonant aviary.
Programme
Aart Strootman - Air
Claude Vivier - Paramirabo
Sofia Gubaidoelina - Silenzio
Robin de Raaff - Incanto ionico, world premiere
Asko|Schönberg in Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ > Stairway to Music: Double Dutch - Asko Schoenberg (askoschoenberg.nl)