De Leeuw’s musical friends from Asko|Schönberg and the Muziekgebouw recently presented him with the best gift they could think of to celebrate his eightieth birthday (on 8 September 2018): new music by a well-loved composer. The world premiere of Acqua Alta by the Russian composer Valery Voronov (b. 1970) is being given this evening together with the Netherlands Chamber Choir. One of the composers with whom de Leeuw built up a close relationship during his long career is the Hungarian György Kurtág. De Leeuw’s recording, with Asko|Schönberg, of Kurtág’s complete works for ensemble was greatly acclaimed and won an Edison Classical award. Olivier Cuendet has made a freer version of Kurtág’s brilliant … concertante … opus 42 (2003) specially for de Leeuw. This evening marks its very first performance. This is passionate music, for which Kurtág received the prestigious Grawemeyer Award in 2006.

Acqua Alta, ‘Dedicated to Reinbert de Leeuw’ – commissioned by Asko|Schönberg & Muziekgebouw, with the support of Ammodo and ‘Friends’ of Asko|Schönberg and Muziekgebouw

The performance of …concertante… will be supported by PRO HELVETIA.