Recorder whiz to run London festival
NewsMessage received:
The London International Festival of Early Music, LIFEM, has announced the appointment of award-winning Dutch recorder virtuoso and musicologist Erik Bosgraaf as its new artistic director. Bosgraaf appeared as soloist and director with the Wrocław Baroque Orchestra at LIFEM in 2023, and this new long-term partnership will see him take control of the festival’s programming and creative agenda.
Held each November in Blackheath, LIFEM combines a unique mixture of concerts, masterclasses, talks and competitions around a three-day exhibition of instruments by leading makers from around the world. The festival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 and the 2024 edition will take place between 13-16thNovember at Blackheath Concert Halls and the church of St Michael & All Angels.
Why is Mr Bosgraaf lifting his leg in that fashion? Is that a Dutch thing?
He’d probably been closing the end hole with his leg. This is a legitimate “fingering” which enables more high notes, top F# on the alto recorder for instance.
As Paul Tortelier said to me after autographing my copy of the Bach Cello Suites: ‘We learn something new every day!’.
Absolutely – a judiciously placed knee or a bell key. Just need to watch one’s front teeth!