Geelvinck Fortepiano Festival 2016

Geelvinck Fortepiano Festival 2016

The Geelvinck Festival of early keyboard instruments began in 2011 as the initiative of an enthusiastic Dutch couple Jurn Buisman and his wife Dunya Verwey. Together they rescued a collection of over 120 early keyboard instruments dating from 1769 to 1880 – fortepianos, and tafelpianos (square pianos) in all stages of development and disrepair. In the hands of Restorer Gijs Wilderom some of these ancient beauties have come alive again; and with the skill of musicians from all over the globe have shown what engaging personalities have lain dormant for so long. Directed by Dr Michael Tsalka, 40 concerts in many venues ranging from castles and salons to conservatoriums and museums enthralled audiences over a 3 week period; and symposia, competitions and workshops introduced students to the pianos of yesteryear.

In October 2016, Thoroughbass director Diana Weston participated as a guest for the Geelvinck Festival performing in number of concerts: –

The Laughing Kookaburra: a solo recital by Australian composers including Ann Carr-Boyd, May Howlett, Elena Kats-Chernin, Diana Blom and Stephen Yates

Multi-keyboard Extravaganza: a baroque program of solos and duos with Marcia Hadjimarkos, Gabriele Toia and Michael Tsalka (tafelpianos and fortepianos) Alon Sariel mandolin, Izhar Elias guitar.

New Frontiers: new compositions on historic pianos. Megumi Tanno, Diana Weston, Kaoru Iwamura and Michael Tsalka tafelpianos and fortepianos, Alon Sariel mandolin, Izhar Elias, guitar