Ig Henneman 80 & Ab Baars 70 Celebrate 150 Years of Music

Composer and violist Ig Henneman and saxophonist/clarinetist Ab Baars mark their milestone birthdays with a grand celebration of music, words, and improvisation. Under the title Shapes, Lines and Layers – a celebration, the two leading figures of Dutch contemporary and improvised music present three new publications, a CD release, and a full concert day on Sunday, December 28 at Dokzaal, Amsterdam.

Publications and CD

The occasion brings forth three publications: Ig Henneman 80 in Woord en Beeld, Ig Henneman Impronotes, and Ab Baars Zeventig. In addition, the duo releases their latest CD, Rooftop Tiles, capturing the dynamic interplay of Baars and Henneman.

Concert Day in Dokzaal

From 16:30 to 22:00, audiences are invited to an immersive program of composed works, improvisations, and shared meals.

• Ig Henneman 80: a selection of Henneman’s composed works performed by Vincent van Amsterdam (accordion), Esther Kuiper (mezzo soprano), Fie Schouten (clarinet), Femke van den Berg (flute), Chris Watt (cello), Alistair Sung (cello), Janneke van Prooijen (violin), Heleen Hulst (violin), and Elisabeth Smalt (viola). The program includes the premiere of The Silver Swan for accordion and mezzo soprano.
• Meal by John Pastinaak: a communal dinner bridging the performances.
• Ab Baars & Ig Henneman 150: the iconic duo joins forces with Joëlle Léandre, Elisabeth Harnik, Gerry Hemingway, Camille Verhaak, and Tobias Delius for an evening of improvisation.

An Audacious Career

Henneman’s contribution to contemporary and improvised music was formally recognized in 2021, when she was appointed Ridder in de Orde van Oranje Nassau (Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau). The honor was presented at her Composers Portrait 75 concert in Amsterdam’s Orgelpark by deputy mayor Touria Meliani.

Over the years, both artists have left a strong imprint on international music scenes. Their work has been widely documented, from Baars’ Cecil’s Dance and Kledingkast to Henneman’s Outside the Rain has stopped and Bow Valley. Reviews and interviews in Music Works, Hollands Maandblad, and freiStil have highlighted their fearless artistry and innovation.

The Wig Foundation

Central to their activities is the Wig Foundation, founded in 1993 by Baars and Henneman. With more than 700 concerts and 33 CD productions, Wig has been a driving force for improvised and composed music, often in collaboration with international musicians, poets, dancers, and visual artists. With its ANBI cultural status, the foundation continues to support and expand the legacy of creative music.

A Celebration of 150 Years

With Shapes, Lines and Layers, Ig Henneman and Ab Baars bring together decades of artistry, experimentation, and collaboration. The December 28 celebration promises to be both a reflection of their rich careers and a forward-looking exploration of music’s endless possibilities.