During the anniversary day on 18 October, Christoph Prégardien will make no fewer than two appearances. He will give a masterclass to two student duos from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and he will be given ample opportunity during the College Tour to answer questions about his life and work.
For as long as I can remember, Christoph Prégardien has been at the top of my list of favourite singers. Unpretentious, crystal clear in pronunciation and vocal delivery, but above all: a masterful storyteller. Alongside the many recordings I regularly listen to, I also remember wonderful concerts. I recall a beautiful Winterreise in the Walloon Church in Amsterdam in 2013, together with pianist Michael Gees. I still vividly remember the almost ghostly bird he conjured up in Die Krähe, which seemed to follow it not just in the lied, but also right there above the audience; you almost found yourself looking to see if you could spot the creature too. And, much longer ago, in 2000, a recital featuring Brahms’ Fair Magelone in the Kleine Zaal of the Concertgebouw, with Andreas Staier. Prégardien also recited Ludwig Tieck's connecting texts himself. Although this cycle is not among my favourites, this concert certainly is. The emotions and romantic sentiment, which to my mind are excessive, receded into the background. The audience listened breathlessly and, deeply captivated, sat as it were at his feet, like children listening to a fairy tale.
Between 1990 and 2000, Christoph Prégardien performed regularly as a soloist with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir, conducted by Ton Koopman. A large number of Dutch singers who were in the choir at that time, including myself, were able to experience him closely then, as a singer, but also as an exceptionally congenial colleague.
It is a great honour that I am allowed to interview him on the 18th, and secretly I find it a bit awe-inspiring too! Fortunately, questions from the audience will also be able to be asked, and that way we are doing it together a little bit after all. I am looking forward to it!
Henriette Feith
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