How can a 21st century genius musician bring one of the oldest musical instruments in history back to life? Matthijs Koene, after having thoroughly mastered the technique of the Pan flute, set out to build a repertoire specifically written for the instrument, commissioning works from composers of our time. To date he has presented over three hundred works in various combinations: solos, duets, trios, for chamber music ensembles, with accompaniment of a church organ, and even with orchestra. The concert begins with a brief presentation of the instrument, a unique opportunity for the audience to enter the depths of the Pan’s flute technique, with the help of a musician who knows its secrets as well as anyone. The programme includes works such as Bach’s famous Badineri and recent compositions written for Koene himself (among the composers, the Greek Kalliopi Tsoupaki and the Cypriot Evis Sammoutis), through to Mikis Theodorakis’ stirring Song of Songs. An enchanting kaleidoscope of magical sounds that take us back centuries and at the same time open hidden doors to the future.

Program:

Daan Manneke: Faux-Bourdon (1997)

Eric Sammut: Ballad (2023)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Badinerie from the Orchestral Suite no. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067

Calliope Tsoupaki: Song for Life and Death (2018), at the occasion of 70 years human rights

Luca Antignani: Samba (2023)
Evis Sammoutis: Syrinx 2.0 (2022)
Mikis Theodorakis: Song of Songs from the Ballad by Mauthausen
Emmanuel Séjourné, Le groove du hameau (2023)
David Hudry: Analogies (2023)