For several years now, Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen and the gentlemen of Die Verdammte Spielerei have joined forces in January for a vibrant family spectacular: witty, playful and yet also educational. Classical music mixed with a dash of madness. This time's focus: the fascinating life of bees.
Climate change is an important part of what we call global change. The unintended influence of humans reaches far. Think of the combined influence of urbanization, fragmentation of natural areas, pollution, exotic pests, etc. The diversity of life - biodiversity - receives more than a severe blow. And that does not go without consequences for the bee population either. The pressing question: is there still hope for harmony between the world of humans and nature? A young audience certainly has an ear for that.
Stefaan De Winter, leading man of Die Verdammte Spielerei, devised a total concept. To somewhat tame the youthful energy, children are immersed in the world of bees in the corridors of deSingel before entering: there are beehives, honeycombs, beekeeping equipment, etc… The children were given a homework assignment: make flowers from crepe paper. That ensures a colorful floral abundance in the hall. A feast for honeybees.
Children, parents and grandparents can find their place in a diffusely lit hall. The string players walk through the hall and imitate the buzzing of bees. Stefaan De Winter as a beekeeper emphasizes cooperation in the bee world. Just like a symphony orchestra cooperates to create comfort and beauty. He transposes the beehive to the concert hall. The beehive counts a symphonic orchestra in yellow T-shirt, 4 zzaxophones, 1 queen (the conductor). His companions from Die Verdammte Spielerei, in their obligatory white marcelle and a yellow helmet, incarnate a bee, a wasp, a drone, an Asian hornet and a bumblebee. Each with their specific behavior. Of course, this visual aspect provides hilarity.
The story begins in winter. The honeybees huddle together by the thousands like a ball in a box during the winter months. The most important task is to keep the nest warm to survive the winter. Music by Beethoven is heard. Then spring arrives and the orchestra plays the awakening of nature to the strains of the Second Flower Waltzz by Pjotr Iljitsj Tsjaikovski. Short fragments follow by Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. Young and old hear the story of the life cycle of the queen, her task, the work of the female bees and the male drones. Appropriately, with the proper respect of the beekeeper, 'God zzave the queen' by G.F. Händel is performed. The scene becomes filled with flowers. Everything is presented vividly. The visual aspect is minimal and leaves much to the imagination. The music subtly and inventively dominates and conveys the tone of diligence, joy and sorrow with 'Azzzes tod' by Edvard Grieg and 'Lacrimozzza' by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The whole remains transparent. Through a rich alternation of melody and rhythm, the dramatic arc is high. The magic of music. Spellbound, young and old listen. A young audience that opens up to classical music. In the beekeeper's discourse there is interaction with the audience, often with understatement and a wink for the older audience. The intimate play of beekeeper Stefaan De Winter captures attention and carries the thought towards vast landscapes. Poetry and humor are never far away but the critical note is not absent either. Applause is not allowed; only with buzzing do you make bees happy and show your appreciation.
Towards the end, the narrator gets the entire hall singing. The bumblebee wants to move to Spain because it's always pleasantly warm there. With his full baritone, he strikes up 'E viva Espana' and invites the audience to sing the refrain along. Cooperation is very important. The children are allowed to bring their homemade flowers to the queen. An immense stream of coming and going. The audience is invited to buzz along with 'We all stand together' by Paul Mc Cartney and as an apotheosis another number by Stromae. The group as a whole makes music, sings, explores and cheers. All conventions are thrown overboard. The craftsmanship and playfulness are palpable. Their infectious dynamism, the irrepressible urge to sing and buzz along and move with arms in the air sets the tone. A family spectacular that makes you euphoric. The otherwise serene concert hall of deSingel literally explodes with enthusiasm. Young and old roar and cheer… a standing ovation that seems endless. Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen & Die Verdammte Spielerei… don't miss them next year!
'Buzzing', which appeals to both trendy youth and a classical audience alike. Elixir of life and nectar of the purest kind.
- WHAT: Family concert 'Buzzing'
- WHERE & WHEN: deSingel Antwerpen, Sunday 14 January 2024
- WHO: Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen, conductor Kevin Hendrickx
- PERFORMANCE: Die Verdammte Spielerei
- CONCEPT: Stefaan De Winter
- MUSIC: Jelle Tassyns
- DIRECTION: Mareille Lebohm
- TEXT: idea and direction: Herwig Deweerdt
- PHOTOS: © Bjorn Comhaire
