Composer and violist Ig Henneman is set to celebrate her 80th birthday with a concert titled “Ig Henneman – 80 Years: Shapes, Lines and Layers.” The event will feature a selection of her works, including the world premiere of “Ballade,” a new composition for accordion and mezzo-soprano. The program reflects Henneman’s extensive career and her contributions to contemporary music.
The concert will open with “Si tira avanti” (1992), a solo accordion piece originally written for Miny Dekkers. This will be followed by “Hinter der Wand” (1996), a composition for mezzo-soprano, accordion, and cello, set to poems by Ingeborg Bachmann. The program also includes “Outside the Rain Has Stopped” (2022) for string quartet, “Solo Song for Violin – In the Storm of Roses” (2014), and “Feather – Light Monkeys” (2016) for three bass clarinets. The concert will conclude with the premiere of “Ballade” (2025), featuring accordionist Vincent van Amsterdam and mezzo-soprano Esther Kuiper.
Performers for the event include Vincent van Amsterdam on accordion, Esther Kuiper as mezzo-soprano, Germaine Sijstermans, Femke van den Bergh, and Chris Watt on bass clarinets, Janneke van Prooijen and Heleen Hulst on violins, Elisabeth Smalt on viola, and Doris Hochscheid on cello. This ensemble brings together musicians who have collaborated with Henneman throughout her career, highlighting her influence in the contemporary music scene.
Henneman’s work is characterized by its blend of free jazz and avant-garde elements, reflecting her background as both a composer and improviser. Her compositions often challenge traditional structures, offering listeners a unique auditory experience. This concert not only celebrates her milestone birthday but also underscores her enduring impact on modern music.
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