FESTIVAL'S OPENING CONCERT in Nordby Church, Fanø 27th July 2023
Robert Schumann: Adagio and Allegro
Johannes Brahms: Sonate No. 1 in F min, Op. 120
Nadia Boulanger: Trois Pièces
Rebecca Clarke: Viola Sonata
Experience the beauty of classical music with the masterpieces of two great composers,
Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms.
Explore further with works from two exceptional
female composers -
Rebecca Clarke, a British-American Romantic, and
Nadia Boulanger, a pioneering
French mentor and conductor who taught
many of the 20th century's most renowned
composers and musicians.
Enjoy the diversity and brilliance of their
enchanting compositions, transporting you to a
world of wonder and enchantment.
Michel Camille - viola, Kristoffer Hyldig - piano
Classical and Folk on 1st, 2nd & 3rd August 2023
Experience a blend of Classical and Folk:
Aug. 1st - Solo Classical Cello,
Aug. 2nd - Dynamic Hungarian and Balkan Folk with Singing Voices doubling on Violin and Cello,
Aug. 3rd - Enthralling Cello and Piano Recital featuring the Exceptional Kristoffer Hyldig.
Your ticket includes a glass of Festival Wine and Cheese on
August 2nd, at 6:45 PM, at the
Musikkens Hus, which is located just 100 meters away from Sønderho Church.
3 Concerts for 300 DKK!
I “A Moving Solo Recital: Expressive and
Intense Works by Bach and Ligeti, along with a
Lament by Italian Composer Sollima, on August 1st!”
II “Duo VOCEllino Presents Balcanic & Hungarian Folk Songs, Instrumental Music,
and a Special Collaboration with Songwriter
Edina ‘Mókus’ Szirtes
on August 2nd!
Meet the Artists and Enjoy Festival Wine and Cheese!”
III “A Spectacular Concert Programme:
Debussy, Nielsen, Prokofiev,
Janacek with Ditta Rohmann and
renowned Danish pianist Kristoffer Hyldig
on August 3rd!”
Ditta Rohmann's solo cello concert Nordby Church, Fanø 7.30 pm Tuesday 1st August 2023
“A Moving Solo Recital:
Expressive and Intense Works by
Bach and Ligeti, along with a Lament by the
Italian Composer Giovanni Sollima,
in Nordby Church on August 1st!”
Ditta Rohmann is a versatile and internationally acclaimed cellist, recognized with multiple awards.
With her authentic and passionate interpretation of J.S. Bach's music, as well as works written by
contemporary and twentieth-century composers,
she has established herself as a true musical artist, in addition to her classical repertoire,
She also ventures into the realms of jazz and world music, showcasing her talent for diverse musical styles.
As a dedicated teacher, she runs her own summer school in Hungary. In addition to giving regular masterclasses.
Ditta Rohmann is at the top of her profession, holding a position at the prestigious
Franz Liszt Academy of Music as the head of the Cello Department. She also holds a position at the Lucerne Hochschule, further cementing her reputation as a leading figure in the world of classical music.
"Duo VOCEllino" Balcanic and Hungarian folk music Sønderho Church 7.30 pm Wednesday 2nd August 2023
Edina “Mókus” Szirtes, violin and vocals
Ditta Rohmann, cello and vocals
Concert includes a glass of Festival Wine and Cheese at 6.45 pm. at the Musikkens Hus across the road from the church
In a realm where melodies dance free,
Where forms and styles hold no decree,
A duo thrives with their limitless aim,
To break all boundaries and redefine the game.
"Mókus" hails from a world of folk and ethno,
While Ditta's roots are classical and grand,
Together they birthed a sound of their own,
With improvisations, compositions, and influences that expand.
Balkan and Hungarian flavors, they infuse,
Pop-like melodies sometimes they use,
Their genre is an enigma, hard to define,
But their music is a poetry, divine.
"A Spectacular Concert Programme with Ditta Rohmann and the renowned Danish Pianist Kristoffer Hyldig!", Nordby Church, Fanø 7.30 pm. Thursday 3rd August 2023
Debussy, Nielsen, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Janacek
Ditta Rohmann the versatile and internationally acclaimed cellist is
performing together with KRISTOFFER HYLDIG who is one of Denmark‘s leading pianists,
recognized for his musicality and highly personal,
sensitive approach.
Known for his versatility, he is in demand as a soloist, as well as chamber musician and
lied accompanist, and his concerts are often broadcasted on Danish Radio.
Ditta Rohmann - cello, Kristoffer Hyldig - piano
Katrine Gislinge
“An evening of classical brilliance:
Katrine Gislinge performs Rachmaninoff at Nordby Church
at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, August 8th!”
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Sonata
Katrine Gislinge - klaver
Esbjerg Ensemble Introduces Mark Simpson as its Composer-in-Residence Sønderho Church, Fanø, 7.30 pm. Thursday 10th August 2023
This year, the Esbjerg Ensemble introduces the internationally acclaimed Mark Simpson as the Composer-in-Residence. Simpson, a British composer and clarinettist, is known for his evocative compositions and soul-stirring performances.
A captivating programme:
Ruth Crawford Seeger: Suite for Wind Quintet
Francis Poulenc: Sonata For Two Clarinets
Francis Poulenc: Sonata for Clarinet and Bassoon
Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 6 ‘Malincolia,’ Op. 18
Leoš Janáček: ‘Kreutzer Sonata’ for String Quartet
Leoš Janáček: ‘Mladi’ (Youth) for Wind Sextet
Kerstin Thiele - flute, David Dinu - oboe, Ron Chen-Zion, Mark Simpson - clarinet & bass clarinet, Antti Salovaara - bassoon, Joke Wijma - horn,
Mathilda Milwidsky, Tim Crawford - violin, Michel Camille - viola, Pau Codina - cello
Meet the musicians at 4 pm, Sunday 13th August
“Esbjerg Ensemble presents Mark Simpson as
Composer-in-Residence at the beautiful Music
Academy Concert Hall at 4 pm in Esbjerg.
“An unforgettable musical experience:
Mark Simpson, a major new voice on the
international stage, featured with
Esbjerg Ensemble as composer and
performer on clarinet, basset clarinet, and bass clarinet!
Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 6 ‘Malincolia,’ Op. 18
Anna Thorvaldsdottir: Ró (2013) for bass fl, bass cl, piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello
Mark Simpson: Septet for flute, clarinet, piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello
Mark Simpson: “Ariel” for basset clarinet, violin, cello and piano
Rebecca Clarke: Prelude, Allegro and Pastorale for clarinet and viola
Leoš Janáček: ‘Mladi’ (Youth) For Wind Sextet
Meet the artists and enjoy festival wine and cheese, included in the ticket price!
Kerstin Thiele - flute, David Dinu - oboe, Ron Chen-Zion, Mark Simpson - clarinet & bass clarinet, Antti Salovaara - bassoon, Joke Wijma - horn,
Mathilda Milwidsky, Tim Crawford - violin, Michel Camille - viola, Pau Codina - cello, Christian Martinez - percussion,
Simon Haje, 1ST PRIZE WINNER OF THE AARHUS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION at 7.30 pm at Nordby Church on 15th August, 2023
During the last decade Aarhus International
Piano Competition has established itself as
*One of the most important piano
Competitions for young pianists in the world."
Simon Haje - piano
BUY SINGLE TICKETS 7 koncerter KR.600,-
SYDDANSK MUSIKKONSERVATORIUM ON THURSDAY 17TH AUGUST 2023 “Schubert Programme for Students"
Franz Schubert: Quintet in A major, “Trout”
Alasdair Beatson - piano, Bogdan Bozovic - violin, Michel Camille - viola,
Pau Codina- cello, Niek de Groot - double-bass
BUY SINGLE TICKET 7 koncerter KR.600,-
SCHUBERT, BONIS AND KODALY AT at NORDBY CHURCH ON FANØ 7.30 PM 17th August 2023
Zoltán Kodály: Serenade for 2 violins and viola Op.12
Mel Bonis: Scènes de la forêt for flute, horn and piano
Franz Schubert: Quintet in A major, “Trout”
Nordby Church, Fanø
Kodaly stands as a notable figure in Hungarian culture of the 20th century,
with an exceptional reputation to match.
Mel Bonis the French composer known for her captivating chamber music.
"Scènes de la forêt" showcases Bonis' ability to capture the beauty and enchantment of nature through her music.
Schubert's iconic Trout Quintet, a beloved composition,
was last performed and filmed at the Esbjerg Festival in 2013.
No other performance has drawn more viewers in the world.
View https://youtu.be/g3k81__bwrM
Alasdair Beatson - piano, Bogdan Bozovic, Tim Crawford - violin, Michel Camille - viola,
Pau Codina - cello, Niek de Groot - double-bass, Kerstin Thiele - flute, Joke Wijma - horn
The festival's 25th anniversary concert at Vor Frelsers Church celebrates with cake, champagne and Mozart 4 pm. 18th August, 2023
The Festival’s 25th Anniversary Concert at 4 pm Friday,
at Vor Frelsers Church celebrates with cake, Champagne and Mozart Amidst the gleeful chatter and merry-making,
at the Festival’s grand 25th Anniversary,
cake slices and champagne glasses clinking,
a joyous celebration, a moment of revelry.
SYDDANSK MUSIKKONSERVATORIUM 4 pm. on SATURDAY 19TH AUGUST 2023
Mozart: Oboe Quartet in F major K. 370
Zoltán Kodály: Serenade for 2 violins and viola Op.12
Erich Korngold: Suite for left hand piano and strings Op. 23
At the distinguished concert hall of the Esbjerg Academy
Erich Wolfgang Korngold, an Austrian child prodigy
composed a remarkable Suite for two violins, cello, and the
Left hand of a pianist, which was originally written for a concert pianist
who had lost his right arm during World War I.
This composition became the inspiration for other
celebrated composers such as Ravel and Strauss,
who also wrote pieces for this exceptional pianist.
We are honored to have the renowned Scottish pianist
Alasdair Beatson perform this virtuosic piece, along with works by
Mozart and Kodaly, in our upcoming performance.
SYDDANSK MUSIKKONSERVATORIUM 4 pm. on Sunday 20TH AUGUST 2023
Josef Labor: Quintet
Mel Bonis: Scènes de la forêt for flute, horn and piano
Franz Schubert: Quintet in A major, “Trout”
Esbjerg Academy
Mel Bonis the French composer known for her captivating chamber music.
"Scènes de la forêt" showcases Bonis' ability to capture the beauty and enchantment of nature through her music.
Meanwhile, Josef Labor: “melodies born from Labor’s soul, infused with
Bruckner’s wisdom and Liszt’s grace, echoed through the ages.” .
Schubert’s iconic Trout Quintet, a beloved composition,
was last performed and filmed at the Esbjerg Festival in 2013.
A record as no other performance has drawn more viewers in the world.
View https://youtu.Be/g3k81__bwrm
The Danish String Quartet 7.30 pm Tuesday 22nd August, Nordby Church, Fanø
The Danish String Quartet
In the summer of 2002, the Danish String Quartet
Made its debut at a grand festival in Copenhagen,
Their music, both classical and folk,
Has earned them a place in hearts, a cherishin'.
With a touch of Nordic tradition in their strings,
And a modern flair in their harmony,
They have collaborated with composers of the North,
To weave a tapestry of symphonic poetry.
Den Danske Strygekvartet
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Divertimento in F major K. 138
Joseph Haydn: String Quartet No. 3 Op. 20
Benjamin Britten: 3 Divertimenti
Folk music arranged by Den Danske Strygekvartet
Ravel, Mendelssohn and Korngold 7.30 pm. Wednesday 23rd August 2023
Maurice Ravel: Tombeau de couperin for wind quintet
Felix Mendelssohn: Quintet No. 2 Op. 87
Erich Wolfgang Korngold: Piano trio in D major Op. 1
Nordby Church, Fanø
Ravel’s Tombeau de couperin is originally a suite of piano pieces,
dedicated to friends who died in World War I.
Mendelssohn’s Quintet Op. 87 is a masterful chamber music composition for string quartet
and additional viola, featuring his signature melodic and harmonic
inventiveness with a lively and expressive interplay
between the instruments.
Korngold’s Trio Op. 1 is a strikingly romantic chamber music
work for piano, violin, and cello that showcases the composer’s lyrical and
virtuosic writing style with lush harmonies and soaring melodies.
Christian Ihle Hadland and guests 7.30 pm. Thursday 24th August 2023
Lili Boulanger: D’un soir triste og d’un matin de printemps
Artturi Rönkä: Trio for viola, bassoon and piano
Ernő Dohnányi: Piano Quintet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 1
Lili Boulanger was Nadia's younger sister, whom Nadia regarded as
more talented than herself. Lili was recognized as a prodigy
and pursued a life as a gifted composer. However, she suffered
from poor health from a young age, which ultimately
claimed her life at the tragically young age of 24.
Meet one of the festival artists, Artturi Rönkä who has just composed this Trio for viola, bassoon and piano
Ernő Dohnányi is apt to be the greatest composer you have never heard.
He is celebrated as the “greatest” Hungarian “musician”
after Franz Liszt, great because his musicianship encompassed
his diversity of profound gifts as a epic concert pianist,
tireless conductor, superb composer, educator,
administrator and ambassador that essentially encapsulated the entirely of
Hungarian classical music culture for decades leading up to WWII.
Mendelssohn, Rönkä and Dohnányi and Jubilee Dinner 6 pm. Friday 25th August 2023
Felix Mendelssohn: Quintet No. 2 Op. 87
Artturi Rönka: Scène aux champs for Wind Quintet and Piano
Erich Wolfgang Korngold: Piano trio in D major Op. 1
Celebration Dinner and Wine
Mendelssohn’s Quintet Op. 87 is a masterful chamber music composition for
string quartet and additional viola, featuring his signature melodic and
harmonic inventiveness with a lively and expressive interplay between the instruments.
Artturi Rönka: Scéne aux champs for wind quintet and piano
Korngold’s Trio Op. 1 is a strikingly romantic chamber music work for
piano, violin, and cello that showcases the composer’s lyrical and
virtuosic writing style with lush harmonies and soaring melodies.
Mendelssohn's Octet - a miracle of the 19th century. 4 pm. Saturday 26th August 2023
Artturi Rönkä: Trio for viola, bassoon and piano "Phases II" - premiere
Ernő Dohnányi: Piano Quintet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 1
Mendelssohn Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20
Artturi Rönkä: Trio - premiere
Ernő Dohnányi is apt to be the greatest composer you have never heard.
He is celebrated as the "greatest" Hungarian "musician" after Franz Liszt,
great because his musicianship encompassed his diversity of profound gifts
as an epic concert pianist, tireless conductor, superb composer,
educator, administrator and ambassador that essentially encapsulated
the entirety of Hungarian classical music culture for decades leading up to WWII.
Mendelssohn composed his glorious Octet for strings in 1825
when he was merely 16 years old. Conrad Wilson summarizes,
"Its youthful verve, brilliance and perfection make it one of the
miracles of nineteenth-century music."
Jazz with Artturi Rönkä, Anna Emmeluth and Antti Salovaara at South Denmark's Music Academy, Esbjerg 8 pm. Saturday 26th August
Get ready to be captivated by the fresh and innovative
jazz interpretations of Artturi Rönka, Anna Emmeluth, and Antti Salovaara.
These talented musicians bring a unique energy and spirit to the genre,
breathing new life into it. Let their music take you on a journey of discovery and inspiration.
Artturi Rönkä, unarguably one of the youngest and most promising Finnish jazz pianists,
has, despite his young age, an impressive CV already. Besides smaller groups, Rönkä has
been playing in Junior All Star Big Band since spring 2008. Lately, however, he has been
mostly employed by his own band, AR Quartet (Artturi Rönkä Quartet), whose eponymous
debut came out in 2014. Rönkä has also made a name as an original and gifted composer.
Festival Finale. Syddansk Musikonservatorium 4 pm. Sunday 27th August 2023
Lili Boulanger was Nadia's younger sister whom Nadia considered more talented than herself.
Lili was recognized as a child prodigy and pursued a life as a gifted composer.
She was plagued with poor health from a young age
that ultimately claimed her life at the tragically young age of 24.
Francis Poulenc’s Sextet for Piano and Winds is a lighthearted and satirical piece by the composer.
The first movement has a mix of playful jazziness and melancholic melody, including a possible
reference to “come to me, my melancholy baby,” which also appears in the final movement.
Georges Enescu’s Octet for strings was hailed as an amazing accomplishment for a young man of
nineteen, and indeed it is. Enescu wrote that he set out to create a vast work and he admitted it was
quite hard for him to achieve what he had set out to do, “No engineer putting his first suspension
bridge across a river can have agonized more than I did as I gradually filled my manuscript
paper with notes.” But the final result was truly astounding.
Welcome to the Klassik Sommer Festival in Esbjerg and on Fanø.
We are thrilled to announce a cooperation between the esteemed Esbjerg International Chamber Music Festival and beloved Fanø Festival aimed at providing a seamless and effortless experience for all music enthusiasts.
With 20 concerts, some accompanied by refreshments and dinner, these exceptional festivals boast rich and multifaceted programs encompassing a diverse range of musical genres, including classical, folk, and jazz.
This promises to be a delightful and unforgettable treat for all music lovers!
Esbjerg International Chamber Music Festival is a Festival in its 25th year. It has invited guest musicians from all over the world to join in this international community of artists to collaborate in new performances and to form new relationships. We are especially honoured that the musicians of Esbjerg Ensemble will collaborate again with us this year, playing in 10 concerts from the 10th to the 27th of August.
Concerts of classical music will be performed in the beautiful country churches of Nordby and Sønderho, situated in the idyllic island of Fanø. In these churches you will encounter quaint sailing-ships hanging from the ceilings that allude to Fanø’s historic importance as a home port to more than 160 ships in the 17th century. There will be concerts in the Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke - Esbjerg’s central church) in collaboration with Esbjerg City’s annual popular Festival Week. Hjerting Church, a modern architectural gem 10 kms north of Esbjerg and in the Danish National Academy of Music’s concert hall, which is an historic building: a former power plant in a mix of Jugend and Classicist styles found in Viennese architecture. Its extraordinary acoustics make it one of the best halls in Europe to experience chamber music.
Additionally, this summer the Esbjerg International Chamber Music Festival (EICMF) will partner with Fanø Festival. This will create a depth of synergy that will truly make Esbjerg a ‘must visit’ cultural destination. Musicians (many of whom are versatile soloists), professors and chamber musicians will be playing to support both Festivals.
The Esbjerg International Chamber Music Festival, since its inception in 1999, has relied fully on donations for its survival. Despite the most challenging of circumstances, in 2020 EICMF staged 15 performances in August, held in various venues encompassing Esbjerg, Fanø and Ribe. Thus demonstrating its tremendous value for the region. This can be evidenced through countless broadcasts on Danish National Radio, collaborations with German Radio and the popularity of The EICMF Youtube channel that has amassed many millions of hits.
Michel Camille, Artistic Director


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