Shapovalov Sessions is an initiative that was 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 stage 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" ceased operations, but three years ago new life was breathed into it under a new name. The initiative soon attracted a diverse and committed audience and grew into a permanent fixture among conservatory students in Ghent and other Belgian cities. Last Tuesday, February 25th, the concert series reached its 26th edition, with songs and chamber music on the program.
Brother and sister, Elewout Acke (piano) and Marjolein Acke (soprano) were allowed to kick 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 work 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 Messiaen interpreter; when will we hear the complete cycle? Next, pianist Maya Kuzouglu performed with passion the "Rhapsody in B minor" (Op. 79) by Brahms, a highly technical and expressive piece that requires 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 could enjoy some songs again. Soprano Miek Union joined Renaat de Keyser for a selection of Poulenc's songs. Pieter Bellers performed 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 will soon be able to see Trio Malatya at work in the Miry concert hall where they will perform this Fauré trio together with works by Schönberg, Zemlinksky, and Webern.
On January 31st, 2025, Shapovalov vzw was officially established by Jacob Van Durme, Renaat De Keyser, Yassine and Taha Posman. The vzw aims to develop a chamber music festival over a period of three years that combines Ghent's stubborn, idiosyncratic character with young musicians of international caliber. In addition to organizing this festival, the vzw wants to arrange masterclasses and related cultural events. The Shapovalov Sessions will always remain a permanent part of the festival to bring emerging artists and new audiences into contact with each other. The four founders of the vzw would like to thank their fellow musicians and volunteers as well as the loyal audience that continues to support them so tirelessly.
What must you not miss?
- May 2nd: Shapovalov Orchestra Session, 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, multiple standalone chamber music concerts at various locations in Ghent.