On wealth, going solo, trombones, DASH!, Bach and more. And then some
This is Maarten Ornstein with the news
Hello everyone,
Thank you for reading the June issue of my newsletter, coming to you via Substack. Since April I have used this platform not just to announce concerts or premières of my work but also to share some personal stories and views on various subjects. In this edition I’ll talk about the upcoming DASH! release, a solo concert I’m doing, composing a piece for trombone, Christmas music, and of course, Bach. But first, there’s something I’d like to share with you. Watch the video.
Playing solo: July 2nd, Splendor Amsterdam
You’ve all heard of Splendor, that absolute gem of a concerthall/club/workspace in the heart of Amsterdam where 55 musicians and their friends play concerts, rehearse, and inspire each other and the audience. I have been a member from the very start, but sometimes I still can’t believe it when I enter the building and think: “This is my club”.
All the members commit themselves to playing one free concert each year, and on Wednesday July 2nd it’s my turn. I’ll be playing a 50 minute non-stop solo, improvising all the way on music by Coltrane, Bach, Monk and myself. I love playing solo concerts, and I really hope to see you there. Tickets are here.
Composing for a very special trombonist
Two months ago I received a handwritten letter from an 11 year old girl, asking me if I could pleeeease compose a piece for her that she could work on for an upcoming concert. She plays the trombone and is a total angel, blessed with many talents.
Of course this is the Commission of the Year; I think it’s so nice to be asked by someone so young to write something! I composed a piece that uses her dancing skills as well as her trombone playing, incorporating both music notation and graphics. I’m quite pleased with the result, and I’ll publish the piece in July, after I have presented her with a very special and personalised edition.
A new DASH! album: Live!
I feel very privileged to play with Alex Oele and Eric Hoeke; not only are they fantastic musicians but they have been great friends for many, many years. In April we played a really nice concert in the Bimhuis in Amsterdam. So nice in fact, that we’ve decided to release it as a live album!
At the concert we played music from our latest two releases Radio Rotor and Rewired, and there’s a very special bonus track with Eric telling a great story about how he came to play his magical cocktail drumkit. Release is planned for the end of September. Stay tuned.
More free sheet music downloads: it’s Christmas!
In December 2024 I played a little Christmas concert with some really good friends who also happen to be fantastic musicians. For the occasion I arranged two wonderful Christmas evergreens: Jule Styne's Let it Snow and Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride. The arrangements are originally for flute, bass clarinet, piano and violin but are easily adapted to other lineups. Since everyone always seems to be looking for stuff to play at Christmas, I’ve decided to share the arrangements on my site - you decide what to pay. So, head over there, download, play and enjoy!
BACH: a new CD on the way
After many months of rehearsals and playing try-out concerts, Mike Fentross and I finally recorded our new CD! It’s due for release in November and features Bach’s Goldberg Variations, Stockhausen’s Tierkreis and Willem Breuker’s beautiful Reisefieber. All arranged for theorbo and bass clarinet.
As always, the album will be released on the excellent Zefir label; we are incredibly lucky and thankful to have such a wonderful record label as a platform for our music. After three CD’s with guests (Rima Khcheich, Kadri Tegelmann and Hilary Summers + the Dudok Quartet) it was time for another duo album. Mike and I are planning a very special release concert, so watch this newsletter for dates and places!
Hello from Bluesky. I see we like the same composer. :) Enjoy your trip to Cymru!