The title will most likely put you on the wrong track. There's a dead simple explanation for it: the performers live on the heath. With a bit of artistic imagination, 'Pagan Nights' became the title of this edition. A sublime musical experience where mystique and nature blend together with the voice of soprano Lissa Meyvis, piano Lester Van Loock and flute Valerie Burndorfer, principal flute of the National Youth Orchestra and lecturer at the Antwerp Conservatory, as its components.
As a guest, she is given the lead role. This trio takes the audience on a musical roller coaster of color and sound full of passion, mystery, emotions and surprising connections. The selected works breathe magic and longing, effortlessly navigating between joy and sorrow in an intoxicating rush of togetherness. The tone is set immediately with 'The Enchanted Flute','The Enchanted Flute' for flute and piano by Maurice Ravel, a skillfully crafted mood piece in which the muscular arabesques of a flute remind one of Scheherazade's kisses from her beloved.
Aria from Manon by Jules Massenet 'I'm Still Quite Dazed'Lissa Meyvis performs with feeling the first major venture of Manon on her way to the convent: she is bewildered by worldly temptations and the unexpected courtship of the wealthy Guillot. Lissa never delivers a sterile performance; with subtle mimicry, Manon's astonishment comes to life. 'Soir Païen'”
'Soir Païen'by Philippe Gaubert, known for his flute compositions. This work is a melody for soprano and piano set to a romantic poem by Albert Samain. Followed by the melancholic 'Nocturne', 'Nocturne'for piano and flute, also by French composer Philippe Gaubert. A dreamy, melodious, soothing tune.'Hey, in the Mountains'
With 'from the operetta The Csárdás Princess by Emmerich Kálmán shifts the atmosphere entirely. An upbeat melody with yet another beautiful part for the flute. The flute adds spicy accents. In 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel', 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel'an atmospheric Christmas number by André Jolivet, both Lissa and Lester join Valerie on the flute. Artists with more than one string to their bow. For the accompaniment of 'It's Getting Dark Soon' a charming Christmas number by André Jolivet features both Lissa and Lester alongside Valerie on the flute. Artists with multiple talents. For the accompaniment of 'It shall soon be a dumpling An Austrian folk Christmas carol triggers a tiny music box. With the two voices of Lissa and Valerie, this creates an atmospheric moment. The first part concludes with a third composition by André Jolivet 'Chant de Linos',Chant de Linos a work for flute and piano that he composed in 1944 on commission from the Paris Conservatory.
After the intermission, we begin with 'Meine Lippen'Meine Lippen from Franz Léhar's operetta Giuditta. With her expressive face and playful, sensual performance, Lissa Meyvis captivates and enchants the audience. As we head into the Christmas season, 'Silent Night, Holy Night' couldn't be missed—the quintessential Christmas carol. As I mentioned at the start, there are cross-connections. Lester Van Look slips into the role of Tom Waits with the beautiful and timeless 'Grapefruit Moon',Silent Night, Holy Night a nocturnal scene in America. A singer-songwriter still highly respected today, who set the bar high for songwriting and composition.this time by Georges Hüe. It's intriguing how the composer managed to make the tonal color of the voice and flute almost blend together. From the same composer of the Belle Époque comes 'Fantaisie'Fantaisie
‘by Philippe Gaubert, known for his flute compositions. This work is a melody for soprano and piano set to a romantic poem by Albert Samain. Followed by the melancholic 'Nocturne', for piano and flute, written for a composition competition. A beautiful piece with different atmospheres. It begins spacious and atmospheric, then is enhanced with intricate melodic lines for the flute. A nice challenge for advanced flutists. Then two more Christmas songs: 'The Christmas Song'The Christmas Song and 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'.As a finale, a song that enchants me every time: 'Il est cinq heures, Paris s'éveille'. I've always found the description of awakening Paris wonderfully beautiful, and then those magnificent accents from the transverse flute. As an encore, we chose 'Piano Man' and 'Piano Man
by Billy Joel. A number that has become a worldwide classic, inspired by his experiences as a bar pianist.These 'Pagan Nights' were once again a tapestry of diverse, beautiful melodies. All's well that ends well. Now we look forward to the first edition of 2026: 'Happy Days' with Alexandra Franck, Lissa Meyvis and generous accompanist Lester Van Loock.Soprano Lissa Meyvis, Piano Lester Van Loock Transverse Flute Valerie BurndorferTorch Theater, Antwerp Studio Dongo
The title most likely leads you down the wrong path. There's a simple explanation: the performers live on the heath. With a bit of artistic imagination, 'Pagan Nights' became the title for this edition. A sublime musical experience where mystery and nature merge, with as components the voice of...
