Shapovalov Sessions is an initiative founded three years ago by pianists Taha Posman and Bert Lasseel to provide themselves and fellow students with a regular platform to promote artistic progress and build performance experience. These sessions consistently take place in the cozy foyer of what was once the chamber music center "De Rode Pomp". In 2009, "De Rode Pomp" closed its doors, but three years ago it was revived under a new name. The initiative quickly attracted a diverse and engaged audience and grew into a fixture among conservatory students in Ghent and other Belgian cities. Last Tuesday, February 25, the concert series had reached its 26thst edition, featuring songs alongside chamber music on the program.
Brother and sister, Elewout Acke (piano) and Marjolein Acke (soprano) kicked things off with the song "Allerseelen" by R. Strauss, followed by G. Fauré's "Chanson d'Amour" and concluding with the witty "Blah, Blah, Blah" by the Gershwin brothers. The contrast with the next piece could not have been greater, as pianist Bert Lasseel performed movements 17 "Regard du silence" and 18 "Regard de l'Onction terrible" from "Vingt Regards de l'Enfant Jésus". Lasseel is an excellent interpreter of Messiaen—when will we hear the complete cycle? Next, pianist Maya Kuzouglu passionately performed Brahms' "Rhapsody in B Minor" (Op. 79), a highly technical and expressive piece requiring both power and subtlety. The first part of the concert concluded with the Allegro from Beethoven's "Third Cello Sonata", impressively performed here by Bram van Loey on cello and Renaat de Keyser at the keyboard.
After the intermission, the audience enjoyed several more songs. Soprano Miek Union joined Renaat de Keyser for a selection of Poulenc's songs. Pieter Bellers played the acrobatic first Prokofiev Sonata, while Jano Wijnants created a mystical, moving atmosphere with Janáček's "In the Mists". The concert ended with a sublime performance of Fauré's "Trio Opus 120" by Trio Malatya: Yassine Posman (clarinet), Jacob van Durme (cello), and Taha Posman (piano). You'll soon be able to see Trio Malatya in action at the Miry concert hall where they will perform this Fauré trio alongside works by Schoenberg, Zemlinsky, and Webern.
On January 31, 2025, the Shapovalov association was officially founded by Jacob Van Durme, Renaat De Keyser, Yassine and Taha Posman. The association aims to develop a chamber music festival over a three-year period that combines Ghent's stubborn, independent character with young musicians of international caliber. In addition to organizing this festival, the association intends to host masterclasses and related cultural events. The Shapovalov Sessions will always remain an integral part of the festival to connect emerging artists and new audiences. The four founders of the association would like to thank their fellow musicians and volunteers as well as the loyal audience that continues to support them tirelessly.
What shouldn't you miss?
- May 2: Shapovalov Orchestra Session, featuring music by Mendelssohn and Schumann performed by motivated young musicians from Belgium and beyond.
- A close collaboration with Quatre Mains during the Ghent festivities.
- Over the next three years, several standalone chamber music concerts at various locations in Ghent.
