Sunday 31 May 2015
Developing an event and turning it into the largest festival for historic music in the Nordic countries is not something to be taken for granted but feels quite relevant. With early music as a motivational factor, we return to enrich Stockholm- a metropole that aims at becoming a cultural city of world class- with a new edition of Stockholm Early Music Festival. Quite a few things have taken place on an international level in our area of interest. In 2013 SEMF initiated the ”European Day of Early Music” through the REMA network, that is nowadays celebrated throughout all of Europe on J. S. Bach's birthday, the 21st of March. A new European web radio channel has been launched (http://remaradio.eu/) fully dedicated to early music. Media has also highlighted the beneficial health aspects of early music.
Let's take a look at this year's treasure chest! On top of the wish list – SEMF proudly presents La Fenice, one of the most celebrated early music ensembles in France, led by Jean Tubéry, making a rapturous start in the festival with the vocal music of Charpentier. The exclusive presence of Philippe Herreweghe, the conductor of Collegium Vocale Gent, is yet another highlight, a delight of sounds for many of you. Gesualdo's Sixth book of madrigals could probably not be approached more accurately.
The famous baroque oboist Marcel Ponseele and il Gardellino promise a colourful night, while the brilliant Nordic soloists Sirkka-Liisa Kaakinen-Pilch on the violin and the organist Hans-Ola Ericsson captivate the audience each with their own concert.
The merry opus of Marianna Martines is rendered by the energetic harpsichordist Nicoleta Paraschivescu, while medievalists are warmly invited to experience the fine tuned Norwegian ensemble Currentes. The festival ends in a reconciling note: the German multicultural ensemble Sarband joins the stage with the Swedish vocal group AVE in the performance ”Sacred Bridges” - a concert that is more relevant now than ever!
A lovely early summer filled with living sounds is awaiting you in the charming surroundings of Gamla Stan (The Old Town of Stockholm). It is never too late to discover the early music at SEMF!
Peter Pontvik
Artistic Director Stockholm Early Music Festival
Chairman NORDEM