Flairck Reunion
Flairck presents REUNION in co-operation with Zenga
From januari 2007 FLAIRCK will be on tour with its original line up for the first time since the 1970s. Judy Schomper (violin), Peter Weekers (flutes), Erik Visser (guitars) and Hans Visser (acoustic bass guitar and classical guitar), are joined by Annet Visser (multiple instruments) and three acrobatic dancers and singers from music theatre group Zenga.
These outstanding musicians, with over a century of theatrical experience between them, are looking back to
the start of their career in 1978, demonstrating, with a new twist, why Flairck has been a well know name
amongst music buffs across the world for nearly 30 years.
Flairck's first compositions will be brought back to life, drawing on the breadth of musical experiences
and instruments which the group has amassed over three decades. Inspired by music from the four corners
of Europe, Flairck audiences will be treated to both familiar and new sounds. At once foreign and familiar,
the music moves with ease from the mist and melancholy of the Irish hills to the swirl, stomp and gaiety
of a gipsy dance, from love at a riverside to partings on a crowded station. The group has never lost its
Dutch character and is influenced by the cultural diversity of the Netherlands. Street organs, milk bottles,
water, and wooden clogs often bring a humorous note to Flairck performances.
Flairck has developed a unique form of presentation and performance. Music with a story and history,
composed, improvised, choreographed and perfected in sound, light and stage techniques; a great combination
of music and theatre.
At the end of the 1970s Flairck became famous overnight. The first production "Variations on a Lady"
reached unusually high record sales in the Netherlands and was released worldwide from South America to
East Asia. With the two subsequent productions "Fight with the Angel" and "Circus" the group established
its name as a highly original acoustic ensemble.
Flairck was the first band to play in Dutch theatres (which had, until then, mainly housed plays and
traditional theatre pieces). Flairck opened the door for a new form of music-theatre production, many
groups followed.
In 1989 the group received Holland's highest music award, the Golden Harp, preceded by several platinum
and golden discs, Edisons, and other production awards.
Over 25 years the group performed two thousand concerts in Europe, Asia, North and South America and
Australia and produced 20 albums and music-theatre productions.
Flairck worked with Georges Moustaki in France ("Moustaki et Flairck"); in England with Mike Batt and
Maggy Reilly ("Sleight of Hand"); in Poland with actor Krzysztof Kolberger ("The Golden Age"); in Chile
with the artist Roberto Edwards ("Cuerpos Tocados"); and in the Netherlands with Ramses Shaffy
("Encore"). Flairck has played with Dutch and foreign symphony orchestras ("Flairck and Orchestra"),
ballet companies ("Bal Masque"), and European guest soloists ("Symphony for the Old World"). The group
featured in television specials in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, England, Scotland, Romania,
Indonesia, Japan and Chile.
The last two (and largest) productions ("Circus Hieronymus Bosch" and "Lucia de Moucheron") were made
in co-operation with dancers, singers and a troupe of acrobats (Corpus). These productions can only be
described as 'circus-like operas' with instrumental and vocal music, projections of historic Dutch
painting, ballet and acrobatics.
In 2004 Erik Visser, the only original member of the group, main composer and artistic director decided
to take time out. He spent two years concentrating on 'the art of guitar playing' and produced a solo
CD "One Man Parade". Erik toured in the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Poland and Mexico on his own
until the end of 2006.
Music theatre group Zenga was founded in 1995 by Annet Visser and Peter Weekers, both for many years members of Flairck. Zenga has specialised in an original artistic direction; the members of the group construct bizarre instruments, costumes, and choreographies. Zenga performs with an unusual combination of theatre and music - Zenga has performed with a giant dragon skeleton, large drain (pan) pipes, a water kettle organ, tuned construction ladders, etc. Zenga creates an astounding variety of musical experiences with humour and ingenuity.
This REUNION of the original Flairck line-up, with the cooperation of Zenga, emphasises the versatility of both groups and guarantees an original and innovative performance, with just a hint of nostalgia!
Click images to enlarge.
painting by Poen de Wijs
photograph by Cardenas / Edwards, Cuerpos Pintados
With Erik Visser, Hans Visser, Annet Visser, Peter Weekers & Judy Schomper.
Photos were taken at the Beauforthuis.
