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| Calefax, wind quintet |
 Ivar Berix clarinet Raaf Hekkema saxophone Jelte Althuis bass clarinet Alban Wesly bassoon Described as a 'classical ensemble with a pop mentality', Calefax is known for its virtuoso performances, innovative programming and engaging concerts. The reed quintet performs standing up, often from memory, and always introduces itself and the programme to the audience. Most importantly, the five musicians arrange, recompose and interpret music from eight centuries to suit their unique line-up: early music, renaissance, baroque, impresssionism, jazz, or world premières, in the hands of Calefax it all sounds fresh and new. Calefax is recognized internationally for the quality of its ensemble playing, and has appeared widely throughout Europe, both in new music forums and in early music festivals. In addition to concerts, the group offers master classes and workshops for young musicians, composers and conservatory students. Calefax has been awarded the Philip Morris Art Prize (1997) and the Kersjes van de Groenekan Prize (2001), and the VSCD Classical Music Award 2005, for the best chamber music performance on Dutch venues in the 2004-2005 season. In recent years Calefax also collaborated with the Orlando Consort (UK), Mad Cows Sing (DEN) and the Zapp String Quartet (NL) and with a variety of soloist such as pianist Ivo Janssen and singers Helena Rasker (alto), Cora Burggraaf (mezzo-soprano) as well as jazz singers Denise Jannah and Astrid Seriese. The German recording label MDG issues Calefax’s ever-growing discography, with consistently enthusiastic reactions from the international music press. The seventh CD, with 'Nouvelles Suites' by Jean-Philippe Rameau, was released in December 2005. "A sublime sense of timing make the French ornamentations sound like improvisations. In short: here are five souls playing as one. These are masters!" (De Telegraaf) In 2004 Calefax started publishing its best arrangements in the CalefaxEDITION. Scores and parts can be ordered through their website: www.calefax.com. In June 2007 Calefax undertook their debut tour of China, with huge success and an immediate re-invitation for 2009. Autumn 2007 saw the group visit Oslo’s Ultima Festival, as well extensive tours of Estonia and Sweden. The UK also featured in their international touring, with concerts at the Warehouse, London, in September and the renowned Spitalfields Festival in London in December 2007. 2008 sees tours to more UK summer festivals, Sicily and Japan. The quintet will make their Wigmore debut in a BBC lunchtime recital in June 2009. |