In the cross-genre series Bijlmer Klassiek, this edition features the music of the fascinating Surinamese composer and pianist Majoie Hajary, complete with an introduction (in Dutch).
About this concert
Countertenor Arturo den Hartog, pianist Marcel Worms, violinist Ursula Schoch and flautist Kersten McCall perform music by Majoie Hajary (1921–2017). Together they paint a portrait of the passionate pianist and composer who performed across the globe, yet always carried Suriname in her heart. The concert will be preceded by an engaging introduction by Ellen de Vries, whose recent biography Een Surinaamse Rhapsodie (A Surinamese Rhapsody) has just been published.
Born in Paramaribo, Hajary rose to prominence in the Netherlands during the war years as a young pianist and composer, before continuing her studies in composition in Paris. She later married Roland Garros, manager/executive at Air France, and spent many years travelling the world. Her music blends influences from Suriname, India, the West and Africa.
From Raga du Prince from the opera La larme d’or , which reflects on the transatlantic slave trade, to the expressive Serenade and Tango for violin and piano - Hajary left behind a rich catalogue of works. This concert offers a glimpse of the many facets of this cosmopolitan composer.
Countertenor Arturo den Hartog: “Perhaps it is because we are both Surinamese and have made classical music so much our own that performing the music of Majoie Hajary feels so rewarding. Her music is versatile and challenging, yet often familiar and therefore deeply moving. Her versatility and openness to other styles is an inspiration to me.”
The next concerts in the Bijlmer Klassiek series will take place on Sunday 7 December, Saturday 14 March and Sunday 31 May.
Bijlmer Klassiek
At Bijlmer Klassiek, a great variety of musical styles meet. Here, musicians from all possible genres and backgrounds work closely with members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, resulting in a series of unique, groundbreaking concerts each season.
