The Vlaamse Klavecimbelvereniging celebrates its crystal and porcelain anniversary. During their fifteen years of existence, this association organized numerous activities such as concerts, study days and the annual harpsichord day to put the instrument in the spotlight. Additionally, the organization was actively involved in promoting various books and CDs, including 'Pièces de clavecin' with music by Claude-Bénigne Balbastre performed by Korneel Bernolet. The Vlaamse Klavecimbelvereniging celebrates its anniversary with a concert. However, there is a minor key hanging over this event as they announced on the homepage of their website that the association will be closing down.
This is the message they shared on their website:
Fifteen years ago, an idealistic group of people started a wonderful initiative: the Vlaamse Klavecimbelvereniging which managed to bring together hundreds of people around their passion, the harpsichord, and all aspects surrounding it, ranging from instrument building, performance practice, publications, solo and basso continuo repertoire to competitions, exhibitions, workshops, lectures and afternoon and evening concerts. All of this culminated in the annual harpsichord and study days, which the initiators can be proud of.
They were moreover supported during many of their activities by the great names in the field such as Gustav Leonhardt, Jos Van Immerseel, Christophe Rousset, Skip Sempé, Andreas Staier, Menno van Delft, Kris Verhelst, Ewald Demeyere, Léon Berben, Catalina Vicens, Nicolas Achten, Wim Winters, Julien Wolfs, Korneel Bernolet, Bart Naessens, Els Biesemans, … Builders from within and outside the country also showed their support by exhibiting their instruments and making them available for competitions and recitals.
The name Vlaamse Klavecimbelvereniging resonated far beyond the country's borders.
At an anniversary of fifteen years, two terms are central: crystal and porcelain. The refined, high-quality material crystal but also the fragile porcelain. The time is ripe to look back proudly and make room for the next generation. The Vlaamse Klavecimbelvereniging therefore ceases to exist.
To conclude these fifteen wonderful years, we announce our final activity. On Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., Justin Taylor will perform a harpsichord recital at the Cultuurcentrum in Mechelen with the title "La Famille Rameau". Following the concert, there will be an opportunity for discussion and reflection on the past years.
We hope for your attendance!
After this final activity, the organization will close its website and Facebook page and will also stop selling second-hand harpsichords. Photos, posters, programs, etc. from activities over the past years can be temporarily consulted via this link.
For tickets and information about the final concert: click here