Willem Pijper – up-and-coming composer and new critic for the Utrechtsch Dagblad – initially praised his older colleague Jan van Gilse, composer and conductor of the Utrechtsch Stedelijk Orkest. However, Pijper’s reviews became increasingly negative and his razor-sharp pen made life so difficult for Van Gilse that he resigned in 1922, disappointed. A year and a half later, Pijper left the newspaper. Fortunately, they both continued to compose.

Much has been written, philosophised and published about the conflict between Pijper and Van Gilse, exactly 100 years ago. But how do they relate to each other musically? During these concerts, the music of these two exceptional composers can be heard.

The programme is completed with compositions by Iet Stants, a pupil of Willem Pijper, and music by Richard Hol. They have meant a lot to Utrecht musical life.