It’s been a while since my last update! The summer has definitely been a little more enervating than expected and the new season has started rather forcefully. But I wanted to take a moment to bring you all up to speed with all that’s going on!
Gold at USA International Harp Competition 2013
It has been two months, but only now I slowly start to realize and believe what happened in july 2013. It was an incredible experience to participate in the USA International Harp Competition and a true pleasure to meet so many wonderful harpists. Nevertheless, those two weeks in the US were probably the two most stressful weeks in my life, but I survived it and secured the gold ;-).
To receive the Grachtenfestivalprize less than a month later was an incredible surprise. At the moment I’m anxiously waiting for the harp that I won in the States, and I’m very much looking forward to all the concerts that are attached to these prizes! It’s been great to receive so many support from all over the world through e- and airmail, facebook and phone messages, so thanks everyone! And if you want to read more about my experiences, check one of the interviews on the media section of my website.
New theatrical solo programme for 13/14/15
For a long time I’ve had the feeling that I wanted to program my solo performances in a different way. I have felt increasingly less at home with the rigid form of many classical concerts and their entourage and atmosphere. And now it’s finally time to start the change! In collaboration with directors/actors Dagmar Slagmolen and Katrien van Beurden I am working on a completely new concert format for my solo recitals, where music and storytelling intertwine.
At the moment we’re giving ‘Theatrical Etude No. 1′ the final touch. This premiere episode out of a series of solo performances is my first attempt to combine my playing with storytelling and acting. No more program books or conventions, simply good music from whatever genre or shape, and plenty of surprises! I’m very excited to finally start with this new adventure. Last week I gave a sneak peek in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw; almost ready now for the premiere on the 30th of september… I hope to meet you all again the coming season!
Some upcoming projects:
april/may 2014: Hans van Manen & Remy collaborate
During the spring of 2014, Hans van Manen will make a new ballet for the National Ballet with harpist Remy van Kesteren. Read more…
december 2013: Remy works with Kees van Kooten, Claron McFadden and Martin Fondse
From 1-12 december Remy will tour with this absolute dream team in the (Dutch) poetry concert “Zo Wordt U Gelukkig”. Check the dates…
february 2014: Dutch Harp Festival
The third international Dutch Harp Festival will be held from February 26 until March 2, 2014. The theme of the festival is Storytelling, acknowledging and featuring the harpist’s original task as storyteller and news bringer. Read more…
Upcoming season 2013/14
Remy will be travelling a lot the coming period. Concerts in Indonesia, USA, Australia, Germany, UK, Hong Kong, Belgium, Brazil and the Netherlands are scheduled. Check all the upcoming dates and venues here…
Special performances
Remy plays in various settings: solo, with orchestra, with his trio42 and various other combi’s. And in december, Remy will even start a band! More info with the next update!