The title is likely to put you on the wrong track. There's a very simple explanation for it: the performers live on the heath. With a bit of artistic imagination, 'Heidense Nachten' became the title of this edition. A sublime musical experience where mysticism and nature merge, with soprano Lissa Meyvis, piano Lester Van Loock and flute Valerie Burndorfer, principal flute of the Nationaal Jeugdorkest and teacher at the Conservatorium Antwerpen as components.
As a guest she is given the leading role. This trio takes the audience on a musical roller coaster of colour and sound full of passion, mystery, emotions and cross-connections. The chosen works breathe magic and longing, effortlessly navigating between joy and sorrow in an intoxicating rush of togetherness. The tone is set immediately with 'La flûte enchantée' for flute and piano by Maurice Ravel, a skilful atmospheric piece in which the muscular arabesques of a flute remind us of Shéhérazade and the kisses of her beloved.
Aria from Manon by Jules Massenet 'Je suis encore tout étourdie"
Lissa Meyvis performs with feeling Manon's first major venture on her way to the convent: she is confused by worldly temptations and the unexpected courtship of the wealthy Guillot. Lissa never gives a sterile performance; with mimic subtlety, Manon's bewilderment is given a face. 'Soir Païen' by Philippe Gaubert, known for his compositions for flute. This work is a melody for soprano and piano based on a romantic poem by Albert Samain. Followed by the melancholic 'Nocturne' for piano and flute also by the French composer Philippe Gaubert. A dreamy, melodious soothing melody.
With 'Heia, in den bergen' from the operetta Die Csárdásfürstin by Emmerich Kalman, we switch to a completely different atmosphere. An up-tempo melody with another fine part for the flute. The flute adds spicy accents. In 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel', an atmospheric Christmas number by André Jolivet, both Lissa and Lester play a flute alongside Valerie. Artists with multiple strings to their bow. For the accompaniment of 'Es werde schon glei dumpa', an Austrian folk Christmas carol, a tiny music box is used. With the two voices of Lissa and Valerie, this results in an atmospheric moment. The first part is rounded off with a third composition by André Jolivet 'Chant de Linos', a work for flute and piano that he composed in 1944 on commission from the Paris Conservatory.
After the intermission, we begin with 'Meine Lippen' from the operetta Giuditta by Franz Léhar. With her expressive face and playful, sensuous interpretation, Lissa Meyvis knows how to tantalize and seduce the audience. We are fully immersed in the run-up to Christmas 'Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht', the Christmas carol par excellence, was not to be missed. Cross-connections I mentioned at the beginning. Lester Van Look slips into the shoes of Tom Waits with the beautiful and timeless 'Grapefruit Moon', a nocturnal scene in America. A still respected singer-songwriter who set the bar high for songwriting and composition.
'Soir Païen' this time by Georges Hüe. It is intriguing how the composer managed to let the timbre of the voice and flute almost merge. From the same composer of the Belle époque follows 'Fantaisie' for piano and flute, written for a composition competition. A very beautiful work with different atmospheres. It starts spaciously and atmospheric and is then supplemented with complex melodic lines for the flute. A nice challenge for advanced flute players. Then two more Christmas carols 'The Christmas Song' and 'Have Yourself a merry Little Christmas'.
As a finale, a song that enchants me again and again. 'Il est cinq heures, Paris s'éveille'. The description of awakening Paris has always seemed wonderfully beautiful to me, and then those beautiful accents of the flute. As an encore, 'Piano man' by Billy Joel was chosen. A song that has become a worldwide classic and was inspired by his experiences as a bar pianist.
These 'Heidense Nachten' were again a tapestry of diverse, beautiful melodies. All's well that ends well. Now we look forward to the first edition of 2026: 'Happy Days' with Alexandra Franck, Lissa Meyvis and generous accompanist Lester Van Loock.