News Archive Richard Rijnvos
Four Premières & Eleven Concerts - Two Ensembles & Two Orchestras
Durham - 17 October 2023
Between 5 November and 17 December four world premières of Richard Rijnvos' recent output will take place, spread over eleven concerts and three countries.
5 NOV 2023 - Den Bosch - Netherlands
During November Music the Ives Ensemble will present two new compositions from a brand new series called Kosmoscópio.
The string quartet Seléne depicts the monochrome sky and all lunar phases, while Aphrodíte is a portrayal of the planet Venus, scored for Japanese mouth organ and string sextet.
9-10-11-12 NOV 2023 - São Paulo - Brazil
The São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra OSESP will perform the first ever orchestration of Heitor Villa-Lobos’s Ciclo Brasileiro (1937).
This is the fourth orchestral arrangement by Richard Rijnvos of a piano work by Brazil’s
best-known composer of all time, having orchestrated Rudepoêma, Valsa da Dor and Alma Brasileira before.
The performance of 10 NOV will be streamed live on YouTube.
19 NOV 2023 - Nijmegen - Netherlands
Repeat performance of Seléne in Galerie Marzee.
25-26 NOV 2023 - Vancouver - Canada
Turning Point Ensemble presents the North American première of both Riflesso sull’incontro and Aphrodíte.
30 NOV 2023 - Amsterdam - Netherlands
Repeat performance of Seléne in Muziekgebouw.
15-17 DEC 2023 - Rotterdam - Netherlands
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra presents the world première of Europe.
The orchestral work forms the first part of Grand Atlas, a cycle in which each of the seven world continents is depicted in an orchestral composition.
Borrowed from the classical orchestral repertoire, covering all European countries, a dazzling collage of 101 quotations rushes by like a tornado.
World première "Riflesso sulla scala" by Richard Rijnvos
Durham - 25 April 2023
On 27 May 2023 ASKO|Schönberg will present the world première of Richard Rijnvos' Riflesso sulla scala:
Muziekgebouw, Amsterdam, 17h00.
Riflesso sulla scala (‘reflection on the staircase/scale‘) is part of the Riflessi series, which consists exclusively
of companion pieces:
each Riflesso explores the same exceptional scoring of a classic from the last century.
Riflesso sulla scala is a companion piece to Sonate pour flûte, alto et harpe (1915) by Claude Debussy.
It makes use of the same three instruments: flute, viola and harp.
Riflesso sulla scala was written for Ernestine Stoop as a retirement gift for her dedicated efforts as long-term harpist of ASKO|Schönberg.
World première "Amérique du Sud" by Richard Rijnvos
Durham - 21 March 2022
On 9 April 2022 the NTR ZaterdagMatinee will present the world première of Richard Rijnvos' Amérique du Sud.
The orchestral work forms the sixth part of Grand Atlas, a cycle in which each of the seven world continents is depicted in an orchestral composition.
The second and seventh part of the series were written for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra during Rijnvos' long-term RCO residency between 2011 and 2017.
As was the case with Asie, the third part of the cycle, Amérique du Sud was commissioned by NTR ZaterdagMatinee (Dutch Radio).
It will be performed in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw by the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Pablo Heras-Casado.
World première "Afrique" by Slagwerk Den Haag & Residentie Orchestra
Durham - 3 November 2021
On 13 November 2021 Slagwerk Den Haag and the Residentie Orchestra will perform the world première of Richard Rijnvos' Afrique.
The new work forms the fifth part of Grand Atlas, a cycle in which each of the seven world continents is depicted in an orchestral composition.
The third, as well as the seventh part of the series was written for the RCO, during Rijnvos' long-term residency with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra between 2011 and 2017.
In Afrique, the composer takes us along an exhilarating journey to Egypt, Uganda, Botswana, Cameroon, and Senegal.
The first performance will take place in Amare, the brand-new cultural centre, in the very heart of the city of The Hague (Netherlands).
Slagwerk Den Haag and the Residentie Orchestra will be conducted by Antony Hermus.
> Afrique
World première "Riflesso sull'incontro" by Ensemble Musikfabrik
Durham - 18 October 2021
On 6 November 2021 Ensemble Musikfabrik (Cologne) will perform the world première of
Richard Rijnvos' Riflesso sull’incontro.
The 'Riflessi' series consists exclusively of companion pieces.
In other words: each 'Riflesso' explores the same exceptional scoring of a classic from the last century.
Riflesso sull’incontro is a companion piece to Octandre, Edgard Varèse’s legendary composition from 1923.
The première performance by Ensemble Musikfabrik, conducted by Enno Poppe, is part of November Music,
the annual international festival for contemporary music in the Netherlands on various locations in the city of Den Bosch.
New CD: "Riflessi" by Richard RIJNVOS, Ives Ensemble
Durham - 12 November 2019
Recently the Ives Ensemble of Amsterdam presented a new CD album entitled "Riflessi". It features three compositions by Richard Rijnvos: Riflesso sul tasto from 2007, Riflesso sull'arco, which was composed in 2016, and finally Riflesso sullo spazio from this year. The "Riflessi" series consists exclusively of companion pieces. In other words: each 'Riflesso' explores the same exceptional scoring of a classic from the last century. The new CD is released on the label RTF Classical, and carries the catalogue number NI6383.
> Riflesso sul tasto> Riflesso sull'arco
> Riflesso sullo spazio
> Riflessi
World première "Das Wohlpräparierte Klavier"
Durham - 16 September 2019
On 22 September 2019 the Ives Ensemble from Amsterdam will present the world première of Richard RIJNVOS’ composition Das Wohlpräparierte Klavier.
The genesis of the new work goes back to 5 October 2012 when Dutch pianist John Snijders was making the necessary arrangements for a performance of John Cage's Sonatas and Interludes. The laborious process of preparing the piano was captured on camera and made into a documentary film by the British artist Adam Barker-Mill. Das Wohlpräparierte Klavier functions as incidental music for this video. The world première performance of the work will take place in the Orgelpark in Amsterdam. The concert programme also features a repeat performance of two other recent works by Richard Rijnvos: quattro quadri, played by Dutch organist Jan Hage, and Riflesso sullo spazio, performed by the Ives Ensemble. The latter composition as well as Das Wohlpräparierte Klavier will receive their UK premières next month, in London's Southbank Centre (28 OCT) and during the Musicon concert series in Durham (26-27 OCT).
World première "Riflesso sullo spazio"
Durham - 4 April 2019
On 11 April 2019 the Ives Ensemble from Amsterdam will present the world première of Richard RIJNVOS’ composition Riflesso sullo spazio.
The work is part of a series of companion pieces, started in 2007 with Riflesso sul tasto, followed by Riflesso sull'acqua and Riflesso sull'arco. Each "Riflesso" explores the same exceptional scoring of a classic from the last century. Riflesso sullo spazio is a companion piece to Arnold Schoenberg's Suite (opus 29). It is scored for 3 clarinets, string trio and piano and lasts no less than 40 minutes. The world première performance of Riflesso sull’arco will take place in the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ in Amsterdam. There will be five repeat performances between April and December in various cities in the Netherlands. In October the work will also be performed in the UK, i.e. in London's Southbank Centre and during a Musicon concert in Durham.
New CD: "Amérique du Nord" by Richard RIJNVOS, RCO
Durham - 29 January 2019
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam has released a CD recording of Richard RIJNVOS's Amérique du Nord. The work is the third part of GRAND ATLAS, a cycle in which each of the seven world continents is depicted in an orchestral composition.
The orchestral work received its première on 2 February 2017 during a concert in the Concertgebouw of Amsterdam, Gustavo Gimeno conducting. Between 2011 and 2017 Richard Rijnvos enjoyed a long-term residency with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. The RCO were voted the "world's greatest orchestra" in 2008 by a panel of critics assembled by Gramophone. Amérique du Nord is a symphonic scherzo, full of musical puns, allusions and flashbacks; no mockingbird, shark or cuckoo was harmed during the making.
World première "quattro quadri" by Richard RIJNVOS
Durham - 8 February 2019
On 16 February 2019 Dutch organist Jan Hage will present the world première of Richard RIJNVOS’ new work quattro quadri. The performance takes place in St Martin Cathedral, locally better known as Dom Church, in the city of Utrecht (the Netherlands). The large-scale organ work, which consists of four movements with a total length of 42 minutes, is part of la Serenissima, a series of compositions dedicated to the city of Venice and its lesser-known, often dark sides. The extramusical subject of the piece is the Black Death in relation to four paintings by the Venetian artist Paolo Veronese of the patron saint Sebastian.
New publication by Schott: Stravinsky/Rijnvos
Durham - 8 October 2018
International music publisher Schott Mainz recently issued a brand new publication: Igor Stravinsky's Symphony in Three Movements, in a version for two pianos by Richard Rijnvos. Stravinsky's masterpiece has been part of the standard orchestral repertoire ever since its première by the New York Philharmonic in 1946.
The version for two pianos by Rijnvos is neither a reduction, nor an arrangement. Instead, it is an accurate transcription in which none of the original work’s complexity is reduced, thus preserving all instrumental voices, characteristic rhythms, melodic lines, and idiosyncratic harmonies.
World première "Geschwindigkeit" by the David Kweksilber Big Band
Durham - 17 December 2017
On 31 December 2017 the David Kweksilber Big Band will present the world première of Richard Rijnvos' new composition, entitled Geschwindigkeit. The work accompanies a short film of the same name by Edgar Reitz.
Edgar Reitz (b.1932) is a renowned German filmmaker. Reitz's 1963 short film Geschwindigkeit ("Velocity") is a silent black-and-white cinematographic exploration, ignoring traditional techniques of narrative filmmaking.
The film music remake of Geschwindigkeit by Richard Rijnvos is a completely new score for big band. The first performance of the music, which is live and includes the screening of the movie, will take place in the BIMHUIS, the iconic Amsterdam concert hall for jazz and improvised music.
World première "Amérique du Nord" by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Durham - 14 January 2017
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Gustavo Gimeno, will première Richard Rijnvos's newly commissioned work Amérique du Nord on 2 and 3 February 2017 in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw.
Amérique du Nord is an imaginary road movie, crisscrossing the United States of America, including a brief detour through Mexico midway. The numerous adventures along the way leave a motley collection of impressions: the base for a sound collage, the form of which seems to suggest the patchwork of the US states.
The work is a symphonic scherzo, full of musical puns, allusions and flashbacks; no mocking bird, shark or cuckoo was harmed during the making.
Amérique du Nord is the third completed work during Richard Rijnvos's long-term residency with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, started in 2011 with Antarctique, followed by fuoco e fumo in 2013.
World première "Riflesso sull'arco" by the Ives Ensemble
Durham - 8 January 2017
The Ives Ensemble will première Richard Rijnvos's new work Riflesso sull'arco on 12 January 2017 in Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, Amsterdam. A repeat performance will take place the next day in Korzo, The Hague. The work is part of a series of companion pieces, started in 2007
Riflesso sull'arco was commissioned by Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, with financial support of the Ammodo Foundation.
World première "Asie" by the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra
Durham - 10 March 2016
On 19 March 2016 the NTR ZaterdagMatinee will present the world première of Richard Rijnvos' orchestral work Asie.
Asie is the second part of Grand Atlas, a cycle in which each of the seven world continents is depicted in an orchestral composition. The seventh part of the same series, Antarctique, was premiered during the Holland Festival of 2012 by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
The new work by Richard Rijnvos was commissioned by NTR ZaterdagMatinee (Dutch Radio). It will be performed in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw by the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Pablo Heras-Casado.
> Asie
> Grand Atlas
World première "fuoco e fumo" by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Durham 25 May 2015
On 12 June 2015 the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra will give the world première of Richard Rijnvos' orchestral work fuoco e fumo.
The composer is currently involved in a long-term residency with Amsterdam's world-famous symphony orchestra. The newly commissioned piece is part of an ongoing cycle dedicated to the city of Venice.
The world première of fuoco e fumo will be conducted by Daniel Harding, principal guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.
Promotion to Professor
Durham - 18 June 2014
Richard Rijnvos is to be promoted to a Chair in the Music Department of Durham University as from 1 October 2014.
The composer was appointed Head of Composition at Durham in the year 2009 and was awarded a Higher Doctorate by the same University in 2012.
CD release "Antarctique" by RCO Live
Durham - 10 May 2014
The live world première recording of Richard Rijnvos' Antarctique has recently been released on Horizon 5 by RCO Live, the in-house label of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
The work was premièred by RCO with conductor Susanna Mälkki during the 2012 edition of the Holland Festival, in the spectacular gasholder of the Amsterdam Westergasfabriek.
Richard Rijnvos is currently involved in a long-term residency with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
World première "Antarctique" by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Durham - 12 June 2012
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Susanna Mälkki, will première Richard Rijnvos's newly commissioned work Antarctique as part of a Holland Festival production on 22 and 23 June in the Gasholder of the Amsterdam Westergasfabriek.
The work forms the seventh and final part of Grand Atlas, subtitled "représentation du monde universel en sept tableaux musicaux".
Antarctique is the first completed work during Richard Rijnvos's long-term residency with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam.
CD release "Uptown|Downtown" by Challenge Classics
Durham - 11 June 2012
The complete studio recording of Uptown|Downtown has recently been released by Challenge Classics.
Uptown|Downtown is an urban panorama in six movements, all of which are inspired by city life in the Big Apple. The cycle includes the acclaimed NYConcerto and the sweeping set entitled Manhattan Square Dances.
Pianist John Snijders features as soloist in NYConcerto, accompanied by the Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic. The Manhattan Square Dances are played by the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. Both orchestras perform under the inspiring leadership of the Brazilian maestro Celso Antunes.
Higher Doctorate (DMus)
Durham - 31 March 2012
Composer Richard Rijnvos has been awarded a Higher Doctorate by the University of Durham (UK). The degree of Doctor of Music (DMus) will be conferred during the Congregation Ceremony of Thursday 28 June 2012 in Durham Cathedral.
A Higher Doctorate is awarded in consideration of work which is of high distinction, and of outstanding merit. Richard Rijnvos is Head of Composition in the Music Department of Durham University since October 2009.
Matthijs Vermeulen Prize 2011 for Richard Rijnvos
Amsterdam - 22 June 2011
Richard Rijnvos has been awarded the prestigious Matthijs Vermeulen Prize 2011 for his song cycle Die Kammersängerin. The prize was presented on 22 June 2011 during a Holland Festival production in the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ (Amsterdam).
The Matthijs Vermeulen Prize is the most important composition award in the Netherlands. Between 1972 and 2004 it was issued annually by the Amsterdam Arts Fund. Since 2009 it is awarded biennially by the Performing Art Fund NL.
It is the second time Richard Rijnvos receives the Matthijs Vermeulen Prize. His orchestral work Times Square Dance was awarded the same prize in the year 2000.
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