Intimate Dialogues – Schumann, Damase, Voglar and Françaix
Nordby Church, Fanø. Tuesday 19th August 2025 at 7.30 pm
All-inclusive Festival Ticket KR. 700,-
Robert Schumann: Adagio og Allegro for klaver og horn Op. 70
Jean-Michel Damase: Trio for Oboe, Horn, and Piano
Crt Sojar Voglar: Trio for Flute, Clarinet and Bassoon Op.67
Jean Françaix: Trio for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano
Intimate Dialogues – Schumann, Damase, Voglar and Françaix
Chamber Music for Winds, and Piano
An evening of chamber music that journeys from the lyricism of mid-20th-century America to the elegance and wit of French neoclassicism. Join a group of outstanding musicians in a programme that balances clarity, colour, and emotional depth through music that is by turns playful, poetic, and richly expressive.
Robert Schumann: Adagio og Allegro for klaver og horn Op. 70
Robert Schumann’s Adagio and Allegro for horn and piano, Op. 70, is a compact gem of the Romantic repertoire. Composed in 1849, it balances tender lyricism with bold, expressive energy. The Adagio unfolds with warmth and introspection, showcasing the horn’s singing tone, while the Allegro bursts forth with spirited momentum and dramatic flair. Originally written for natural horn, the piece remains a favorite for its emotional depth and brilliant interplay between the two instruments.
Jean-Michel Damase: Trio for Oboe, Horn, and Piano
Jean-Michel Damase’s Trio for Oboe, Horn, and Piano (1968) blends French neoclassical clarity with a vibrant, contemporary expressiveness. The opening Allegro moderato immediately showcases Damase’s deft handling of timbre, allowing the horn and oboe to intertwine lyrical and rhythmic lines while the piano provides shimmering textures. The central Andante moves into a world of introspective lyricism, balancing modal harmonies and delicate phrasing with occasional touches of melancholy. The closing Allegro vivo bursts forth with kinetic energy, using lively rhythms, witty interplay, and lightness of touch — hallmarks of Damase’s ability to evoke character and contrast without ever losing elegance. The trio as a whole highlights both the individuality and the collaborative potential of the instruments in a tightly woven, colorful tapestry.
Crt Sojar Voglar: Trio for Flute, Clarinet and Bassoon Op.67
Crt Sojar Voglar’s Trio for Flute, Clarinet and Bassoon, Op. 67, showcases the vibrant interplay and characterful contrasts of the wind trio. Written with wit and rhythmic drive, the music moves from a playful Allegretto through a lyrical yet mischievous Andante giocoso, to a breathless and spirited Presto nervosa. The work blends modern energy with accessible charm, highlighting each instrument’s personality in a lively musical conversation.
Jean Françaix: Trio for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano
Françaix’s Trio for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano (1994) epitomizes his gift for sparkling, urbane chamber music. The opening Allegro vivo is crisp and witty, full of brisk exchanges and unexpected harmonic turns. In the Scherzando, Françaix delights in sharp rhythmic play and breezy syncopations, bringing a sense of refined mischief to the music. The Adagio reveals a deeper, more lyrical core, offering long, flowing lines that contrast poignantly with the surrounding lightness. The final Allegro assai races forward with infectious vitality, culminating in a tour de force of dazzling precision and buoyant energy. Throughout the trio, Françaix combines impeccable craftsmanship with a playful spirit, allowing each instrument to shine while celebrating the sheer joy of ensemble dialogue.
The Musicians
The Norwegian pianist Christian Ihle Hadland has built an international career as a soloist and chamber musician, performing with leading orchestras and at major festivals across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Born in Bucharest in 1999, David Daniel Dinu is a Romanian oboist currently based in Copenhagen. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at the National University of Music in Bucharest and is pursuing postgraduate studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Music under Professor Max Artved. Dinu has performed with several prominent Danish orchestras, including Tivoli’s Promenade Orchestra, the Danish Chamber Orchestra, the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra. He holds the position of oboist with the Esbjerg Ensemble, Denmark’s distinguished international chamber music group.
Finnish bassoonist Antti Salovaara began his studies at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki under Jaakko Luoma. He furthered his education at the Conservatoire de Paris with Laurent Lefèvre and at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover with Bence Bogányi, graduating in 2018. Since 2017, Salovaara has been a member of the Esbjerg Ensemble. He also performs with Tölöläb, an electroacoustic experimental woodwind group based in Helsinki, showcasing his versatility in both traditional and contemporary music settings.
Dutch horn player Joke Wijma studied with Frank Brouns and Hans Dullarert at the Conservatory in Groningen and continued her studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hamburg under Professor Ab Koster. After graduating in 2004, she worked with the Duisburger Philharmoniker as an intern. Wijma has been a member of the Esbjerg Ensemble since 2005, contributing to its dynamic performances and commitment to both contemporary and classical repertoire.
Kerstin Thiele is a distinguished Swedish flutist known for her dynamic performances and dedication to both classical and contemporary repertoire. Since 1986, she has been a vital member of the Esbjerg Ensemble, Denmark’s oldest professional international chamber music group, contributing significantly to its artistic direction as a board-appointed member. Thiele’s discography includes notable recordings such as “Roger Reynolds: Wind Concertos,” where she features prominently alongside the Esbjerg Ensemble, showcasing her versatility and dedication to contemporary music.
Ron Chen-Zion is an Israeli clarinetist and a core member of the Esbjerg Ensemble since 1993. He began his studies with Richard Lesser of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and later graduated from the New England Conservatory in Boston. In 1990, he was appointed principal clarinetist of the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra. As a chamber musician, he has performed extensively across Europe, Israel, and the Americas, including frequent appearances at the Marlboro Music Festival. His discography includes several recordings, notably a highly praised rendition of Max Reger’s works for clarinet and piano.