A young tradition that has already firmly established itself is the annual festive concert 'Festive Concert' of the Musica Mundi School in Waterloo. Klassiek Centraal attended this end-of-year concert in full Christmas spirit for the third time.
The pleasure was not only ours, it was for everyone, both musically during the concert and afterwards provided with the necessary food and drink. That is what we learned at that school led by 'father and mother' Leonid and Hagit Kerbel who founded this musical institute and lead it with a steady hand: each concert is a celebration. The school attracts more and more worldwide recognition year after year. Everything about it is unique. The musical educational package, the teaching of general knowledge, the presence on stage, finesse in behaviour and clothing and a strong camaraderie, familial atmosphere and group spirit that you rarely find. All these elements ensure that not only are there almost too many students, but the audience attending the concerts nearly bursts the church – now concert hall - of the former monastery. The concerts are invariably sold out. You don't get the opportunity every day to hear such a collection of young talent, from all corners of the world, performing sometimes at a very professional level.
It is impossible to discuss all the students who performed at the Christmas concert. What we can state in any case is that one talent inspires and carries along the other, which reinforces the performances. Let us discuss some of the small ensembles, but first some attention for the school choir and the orchestra.
The concert opened with the school choir. Well, talking about another school choir! After the university choir of KULeuven, this can be mentioned as one of the best-performing school choirs. A pity that there can't be more performances and the repertoire remains limited because of many other lesson assignments and studying, every day many hours, on their own instrument. The choir sang convincingly led by director Leonid Kerbel (°1962) 'Wie der Hirsch schreit, psalm 42 op. 42 by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847). Rich phrasing coloured this little-known psalm. A tip for every better choir. To then lighten the celebration somewhat – seriousness and fun went hand in hand – the choir sang in an almost playful manner an arrangement by Emily Crocker (°1949) of 'We wish you a Merry Christmas'.
Two pianists opened the instrumental section that of course dominated the concert. By Witold Lutoslawski (1913-1994), the Paganini variations were performed by Liam Nasseriddine (15) and Giovanni Pallare (15). The Dutchman and the Italian played particularly professionally, full of temperament and well, at a high tempo, emphasizing their youthfulness.
'D'un Matin de Printemps' by Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) was performed particularly beautifully by pianist Audrey Wang (17), violinist Sophie Dekeyser (16) and cellist Ephraïm Taub (15). A work to programme more often. The entire awakening spring, the youthfulness, the sparkle, the hope, everything Boulanger managed to translate musically here and the young musicians performed it as the composer who died far too young would have wished.
Pleasantly and firmly performed was 'Black Cat' by Yuriy Saulskiy (1928-2003). On this occasion it was dedicated to the two black cats of the school, oh yes!, and the five performers wore a black hat which made it even spicier. Their names: Artemi Argamakov (16) on guitar, Uriel Cepeda Rosales (16) on violin as well as Matias Tepla (17). Emre Salali (14) played the viola and on the cello the audience heard Angelina de Nigris (14).
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Very strong, grandiose even, although sometimes somewhat less cohesive, was Mendelssohn's Trio op. 49 by pianist Djordje Radevski (piano accompaniment), violinist Nicola Cicchino (18) and once again cellist Ephraïm Taub.
The closing was done by the school orchestra with an over-enthusiastic and yet far too fast performed Minuet from the Serenade for strings by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904). In beautiful Flemish one would say: "Amaai my ear" because it was so loud. The decibels were not spared by the band of young musicians waiting for the reception. It was an impetus for an even fiercer finale, with Christmas hats on their heads 'All I want for Christmas is YOU!' by composer Mariah Carey (°1969).
The next concert of the students – this time as soloists – is on 12 February 2026. Be on time to order tickets because there always have to be disappointed people. Sold out is sold out…
