For several years now, Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen and the gentlemen of Die Verdammte Spielerei have joined forces in January for a vibrant family spectacle: witty, playful and yet also educational. Classical music mixed with a touch of madness. This time's approach: the fascinating life of bees.
Climate change is an important part of what we call global change. The unintended influence of humans reaches far. Think of the combined impact of urbanization, fragmentation of natural areas, pollution, exotic pests, etc. The diversity of life - biodiversity - takes more than a heavy blow. And that does not go without consequences for the bee population either. The pressing question: is there still hope for harmony between the world of humans and nature? Young audiences certainly have ears for that.
Stefaan De Winter, leading man of Die Verdammte Spielerei, conceived a total concept. To somewhat contain the youthful exuberance, children are immersed in the world of bees in the corridors of deSingel even before the performance: there are beehives, honeycomb, beekeeping equipment, etc… The children were given a homework assignment: make flowers from crepe paper. This creates a colorful floral abundance in the hall. A feast for honeybees.
Children, parents and grandparents can find their place in a dimly lit hall. The string players walk through the room and imitate the humming of bees. Stefaan De Winter as a beekeeper emphasizes cooperation in the bee world. Just as a symphony orchestra works together to create comfort and beauty. He transposes the beehive to the concert hall. The beehive contains a symphony orchestra in yellow T-shirts, 4 zzzaxophones, 1 queen (the conductor). His companions from Die Verdammte Spielerei, dressed in their obligatory white marcelle and a yellow helmet, embody a bee, a wasp, a drone, an Asian hornet and a bumblebee. Each with their specific behavior. Of course, this visual aspect provides hilarity.
The story begins in winter. The honeybees sit in the winter months with thousands packed like a ball in a box. The most important task is to keep the nest warm to survive the winter. Music by Beethoven is heard. Then spring arrives and the orchestra plays the awakening of nature to the strains of Pjotr Iljitsj Tsjaikovski's Second Flower Walzzz. Short fragments by Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss follow. Young and old hear the story of the life cycle of the queen, her task, the work of the female bees and the male drones. Fittingly, with the beekeeper's due regard, 'God zzzave the queen' by G.F. Händel is performed. The scene becomes filled with flowers. Everything is presented vividly. The visual aspect is minimal and leaves much to the imagination. The music dominates subtly and inventively and conveys zeal, joy and sorrow with 'Azzzes tod' by Edvard Grieg and 'Lacrimozzza' by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The whole remains transparent. Through a rich variety of melody and rhythm, the dramatic arc is high. The magic of music. Young and old sit mesmerized listening. A young audience opening up to classical music. In the beekeeper's discourse there is interaction with the audience, often with an understatement and a wink for the older public. The intimate play of beekeeper Stefaan De Winter captures attention and carries thought to expansive landscapes. Poetry and humor are never far away but neither is the critical note absent. Applause is not allowed; only by humming do you make bees happy and show your appreciation.
Towards the end, the narrator gets the entire audience singing. The bumblebee wants to move to Spain because it's always nice and warm there. With his full baritone, he strikes up 'E viva Espana' and invites the audience to sing along with the refrain. Cooperation is very important. The children are allowed to bring their handmade flowers to the queen. An immense stream of coming and going. The audience is invited to hum along with 'We all stand together' by Paul McCartney and as a grand finale another number by Stromae. The group as a whole makes music, sings, explores and cheers. All conventions are thrown overboard. The craftsmanship and joy of play burst from it. Their infectious dynamism, the irresistible need to sing and hum and move with arms in the air sets the tone. A family spectacle that creates euphoria. The otherwise serene concert hall of deSingel practically explodes with enthusiasm. Young and old cheer and rejoice… a standing ovation that seems endless. Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen & Die Verdammte Spielerei… don't miss them next year!
'Buzzing', which appeals to both the trendy youth and a classical audience. Life elixir and nectar of the purest kind.
- WHAT: Family concert 'Buzzing'
- WHERE & WHEN: deSingel Antwerpen, Sunday 14 January 2024
- WHO: Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen, conductor Kevin Hendrickx
- PERFORMANCE: Die Verdammte Spielerei
- CONCEPT: Stefaan De Winter
- MUSIC: Jelle Tassyns
- DIRECTION: Mareille Lebohm
- TEXT: idea and direction: Herwig Deweerdt
- PHOTOS: © Bjorn Comhaire