The legendary Flanders Recorder Quartet will be in the Bay Area next weekend for a workshop and concert. Tom Beets, Paul Van Loey, Joris Van Goethem, and Bart Spanhove have traveled around the world for a quarter century with more than 150 recorders in tow performing for international audiences to great acclaim. They are on YouTube (frquartet) and frequent faculty at the Texas Toot and Amherst, where they have a large and dedicated student following. After 25 years the ensemble is disbanding, and they now are giving a farewell tour around the globe.
On Sunday, February 25, South Bay Recorder Society presents a workshop and ensemble coaching for intermediate to advanced players with the Quartet. Participants may choose from 3 class choices each for each of the 3 sessions, or Ensemble Coaching (maximum 3 Ensembles). Bring instruments (pitch: A=440, not counting Ensembles), music stand, and sack lunch. Music is included in workshop fee; PDFs may be sent beforehand upon request. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided for the breaks. The lunch break is short, so bringing a sack lunch is recommended. A list of nearby eating places will also be available. Download brochure here.
The workshop takes place from 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Opera San Jose, 2149 Paragon Drive, San Jose. A base fee of $40 includes three 60-minute small-group playing sessions. Private Lessons or Ensemble Coaching add $80 per student/group. Auditors may attend $20.
There is still space available for this workshop at press time. For more information, contact Michèle Kelly at [email protected].
That evening, San Jose Chamber Music presents the esteemed Belgian quartet’s Farewell Concert this Saturday, February 24. Their program includes Praetorius, Summa Parenti Gloria (1611); Schein, Suite #15 from Banchetto Musicale (1617); Bach, Fantasia in C, BWV 570, and Fuga in C, BWV 545; Boismortier, Concerto VI from Op.15 (1727); and contemporary works by Pieter Campo, “Meditation” (2015) and “Fire” (2015); Sören Sieg “Inxaxheba” (2016); Jeroen d’Hoe “Ella’s Blues” (2005); and Louis Prima, “Sing Sing Sing (with a swing)” (1936).
The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Trianon Theater, 72 N. 5th St., San Jose. There will be a pre-concert talk at 6:15. Buy tickets online ($15–$49). More information is available at http://sjchambermusic.org/ and at www.flanders-recorder-quartet.be.
This is not only a rare opportunity to hear and work with arguably the greatest recorder ensemble in the world today. It is your last opportunity.
