The STROOM festival showcases for the second year in a row the beautiful spots between Antwerp's Steen and Ghent's Gravensteen. Many people travel to distant places during this holiday period, while our own country is rich in countless impressive heritage sites and beautiful nature. The water castle, the castle of Wissekerke in Kruibeke-Bazel, an oasis of tranquility bordering the polders, is such a gem to discover.
Veerle Simoens, Artistic & Managing Director of the festival van Vlaanderen Gent, asked bandoneon and accordion virtuoso Gwen Cresens if he could compile a program for this unique location with water as a common thread. An approach he was happy to work with. Water… an endless theme. He delved into music history and put together an eclectic program. With a healthy sense of contrariness, adventure and humor, the Gwen Cresens Black River Quartet explores the boundless repertoire of jazz, classical, pop, chanson and music from all corners of the world. He surrounded himself with some TOP jazz musicians and shared the stage with internationally celebrated jazz violinist Alexandre Cavaliere, with rising star Tim Finoulst on guitar and with the Paganini of jazz bass Janos Bruneel. Each and every one of them musicians who play a meaningful role in every formation and express their improvisation qualities and great musical sensitivity. There was also a special guest. Gwen Cresens brought his daughter Stanzi Cresens, cellist and singer. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
The concert takes place outdoors. The musicians play under the arcades of the castle, there is the wide castle moat and the audience can sit on the grass. To counter the greatest heat or a downpour, a giant tent canopy has been provided.
The event takes place according to the bring your own chair concept. It's nice to see the audience trickling in with chairs, blankets, cushions under their arms and settling in comfortably… There is a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. In nature it's pleasant to linger. A concert in ecoshere in a natural setting amidst the greenery. Life seems to slow down, linger and thicken in this setting as if in a dream. The sunlight is like saturated gold, now and then pushed away by dark clouds. Swans glide majestically across the castle moat, a duck family with a whole brood of youngsters boldly explores the world, a soft breeze creates ripples on the water. It is a total experience, a winning formula.
From his bandoneon and accordion, Gwen Cresens conjures up a unique sound. It starts with Händel's festive Water Music. What violinist Alexandre Cavaliere draws from his instrument is astounding, virtuosic. Compositions by Richard Galliano follow, innovator of the musette with jazz elements. In the number On the Water by Deep Purple, Tim Finoulst takes on the steaming guitar riff. Music sets things in motion. You see couples swaying to the music. There are a couple of original compositions by Gwen Cresens. During a trip from Antwerp to Ghent, his little son asked the naïve question: "Dad, is the moon moving with us?" This inspired him for the composition 'De maan is verhuisd' which he performs together with his daughter on the cello. Furthermore, there is work inspired by Bach's cello suites. An improvisation on De Zwarte Rivier by Wannes Van de Velde. With the Mississippi as inspiration the Temptation Rapp. More work by Händel. The beautiful Moon River with surprising singing by Stanzi Cresens, restrained and expressive, wonderfully beautiful. A few sultry Brazilian rhythms follow in a joint search for the narrative power and meaning of music. With his carefully selected composition of the program, Gwen Cresens clearly took into account the musical qualities of the band members. They let the music swing like a charm.
There are numerous activities in the coming days, also free of charge, such as the Oeverconcerten. The boat De Vrijbuiter sails down the Schelde and moors for two weeks at a different location each time. The STROOMboat is completely CO2-neutral and forms a traveling stage for the artists, while the audience can enjoy the concerts from the banks in Bornem, Kruibeke, Schelle, Niel, Boom, Willebroek, Puurs-Sint-Amands, Dendermonde, Hamme, Zele and Wichelen.