Ledenconcert Gerard Bouwhuis

The crow is a songbird. The cheerful song of the robin is mainly intended as a deterrent and to mark their private territory and claim the insects present there for themselves.

Much of the whistling and singing of birds is intended to maintain territory, impress a mate, or sound the alarm. Yet the meaning of most singing is largely unknown, and the question is even asked: can birds improvise?

Eeko, Misha Mengelberg's parrot, led us to believe so in a beautiful duet with the master himself. And can birds compose? The Australian lyrebird mixes its own song with sounds from other birds, but also from chainsaws, sirens, camera shutters, etc. That comes very close to the definition of composing: combining elements.
It is therefore not surprising that many composers have been involved with birdsong in one way or another. At the top of the list is, of course, Olivier Messiaen, who even listed ornithologist as his profession on his business card.

Tonight's concert highlights various aspects: did the bird serve as inspiration? How exactly do you write down what it sings? How does a bird sing on a piano? Can you also compose the entire biotope? And what happens when you enter into a duet with a bird?

Tonight we will search for the answers.

Works by Jean Philippe Rameau, Leos Janacek, Francois Bernard Mache, Olivier Messiaen, and others.

Member concert by Gerard Bouwhuis.
Member concert
Splendor can only be the independent and free hub that it is, thanks to the members who support us. We pay them back with our specialty: music. Every year, all Splendor musicians play one concert that's free for this crucial group to whom Splendor owes its everyday existence. Combined with many other events, this means that our members have free entrance to over 50 concerts a year for €9,99 p/m (and €4,99 p/m for minima and students!) – and receive a discount for all other concerts. Pretty good deal, right?

The members enable Splendor to remain independent, which is the only way to secure real freedom in programming, experimentation, risk-taking and the promotion of young, upcoming artists. If you can think of another place without a central programming, where last-minute concerts can be planned any moment, where there is no backstage and artists and audience are constantly mingling and hanging out at the bar, where mysterious creative outbursts can be presented that are often labeled 'too risky' elsewhere, and that still guarantees high quality by unleashing the best of The Netherlands' music scene in this creative playground – you get a free membership!

Would you rather just visit this concert without becoming a member? You're more than welcome! Buy your ticket(s) below.