I was delighted to have had the honour of being invited to the opening concert of the 7th edition of The International Chamber Music Festival on Friday, 11 September, featuring Eef van Breen performing with his Septet the music of 'Jazzpressionism'.

The septet, made up of seven inspiring young musicians, performed pieces from Eef van Breen's Debut album 'Challenge', as well as the works of musicians Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Jaques Ibert. The music was a spine-curling combination of classical chamber, with a splash of swing, and a generous serving of contemporary jazz.

Each of the inspiring young musicians were elegant and poised in the way they applied their instruments, and proved that they are indeed a force to be reckoned with in the classical jazz genre. The musicians included Eva Tebbe on the Harp, Merel Junge on the Violin, Dmitry Ivanov, also on the violin, Cellist Amber Docters van Leeuwen, Pianist Walter Wolff, Ruben Samama, on the Bass and finally, Eef van Breen - vocalist, trumpeter, composer and arranger, not to mention outstanding performer - who sang with clarity and ease, intercepting solos on the trumpet at the perfect moment for a stunning climax and lead the group in an effortless and subtle way. Van Breen's final performance was an outstanding vocal solo that grasped at the heart of each and every member of the audience, including my own!

The Theatre Diligentia provided the perfect backdrop for the event, wrapping it's crimson red walls around the music to create a warm atmosphere and chrystal clear sound.

On the whole, ‘Jazzpressionism’ was a charming concert to attend, with performances that were, at times, heart-wrenchingly emotional, and at other times, comical pieces played with a lightheartedness that emphasised the groups’ interactions with one-another, which were amusing to observe.

Many thanks go to the founder of the International Chamber Music Festival and violinist Eva Stegeman. Her wisdom for the classical genre as well as her expertise in hosting the event shone through in a very successful opening to The International Chamber Music Festival The Hague 2009.

In the words of Eef van Breen himself, "Good improvisation sounds like a composition; the ultimate classical performance sounds like an improvisation". Indeed, his execution of the music performed was the ultimate classical performance.

With thanks,
Holly Marder/The Hague Online

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