The Flemish Harpsichord Association celebrates its crystal and porcelain jubilee. During their fifteen-year existence, this association organized numerous activities such as concerts, study days and the annual harpsichord day to put the instrument in the spotlight. Furthermore, the organization was actively involved in the promotion of various books and CDs, including 'Pièces de clavecin' with music by Claude-Bénigne Balbastre performed by Korneel Bernolet. The Flemish Harpsichord Association celebrates its jubilee with a concert. However, a minor note hangs over this event as they announced on the homepage of their website that the association will be closing.
This is the message they shared on their website:
Fifteen years ago, an idealistic group of people began a wonderful initiative: the Flemish harpsichord association that managed to bring together hundreds of people around their passion, the harpsichord, and all aspects surrounding it, ranging from instrument building, performance practice, publications, solo and basso continuo repertoire to competitions, exhibitions, workshops, lectures and afternoon and evening concerts. All of this was concentrated in the annual harpsichord and study days of which the initiators can be proud.
They were moreover supported during many of their activities by the big names in the field such as Gustav Leonhardt, Jos Van Immerseel, Christophe Rousset, Skip Sempé, Andreas Staier, Menno van Delft, Kris Verhelst, Ewald Demeyere, Léon Berben, Catalina Vicens, Nicolas Achten, Wim Winters, Julien Wolfs, Korneel Bernolet, Bart Naessens, Els Biesemans, … Builders from home and abroad also showed their support by displaying their instruments and making them available for competitions and recitals.
The term Flemish harpsichord association resonated far beyond national borders.
At a jubilee of fifteen years, two terms are central: crystal and porcelain. The refined, high-quality material crystal but also the fragile porcelain. The time is ripe to look back proudly and make room for the next generation. The Flemish Harpsichord Association therefore ceases to exist.
To conclude these fifteen wonderful years, we announce our final activity. On Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., Justin Taylor will perform a harpsichord recital at the Cultural Center in Mechelen with the title "La Famille Rameau". Following the concert, there will be an opportunity for discussion and reflection on the past years.
We hope for your attendance in large numbers!
After this final activity, the organization closes its website and Facebook page and stops selling secondhand harpsichords. Photos, posters, programs, etc. from activities over the past years can temporarily be consulted via this link.
For tickets and information about the closing concert: click here