Last year during the International Vocal Competition ‘s-Hertogenbosch for the lied competition we saw the term Theatre in Song, actually with the same intention. For years, Groningen has hosted a wonderful – and public! – biennial competition for student duos where a great deal of creativity and an astonishingly high level of performance can be experienced. There is a lot to be learned here for all singers and accompanists who are still studying.
The organisers of the lied day were eagerly looking forward to the Lied lab by two students from the Prince Claus Conservatoire in Groningen: baritone Michiel Nonhebel and mezzo-soprano Hannah Tomasini. They were accompanied by their coach and our lied friend Victoria Dmitrieva, whom we are always so pleased to see on stage.
As if they had been performing together for years, Michiel and Hannah liedsang about love and nature as a metaphor. Liedsongs by Brahms, Vaughan Williams, Heggie and Copland. We witnessed a recital form that was familiar to us, but oh so lovely to watch and listen to. Then a surprise after all. Hanna takes a seat behind the piano and is going to accompany Michiel brilliantly. Victoria looks on with satisfaction...
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The latest lied by Michiel Nonhebel is The man in the clouds by Ton Scherpenzeel, with lyrics by Harrie Jekkers and Koos Meinderts. The lied, which consists of 21 stanzas, was made famous by the well-known singer and comedian Harrie Jekkers and tells the story of a man who carelessly enjoys a magnificent painting in his home in the clouds. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy it. Enjoying something beautiful together, such as a wonderful performance, makes everything better after all. However, when the man discovers that the painting is worth a lot of money, he becomes afraid. He hides the painting away to protect it. Now no one can see it any more… Michiel continued and sang this little fairy tale in a captivating and unadorned way. We understood every word and hung on his every word. A short classical recital flowed into light music, yet formed a unity of skilful storytelling, a core value of the lied recital. In July, after 45 years, Harrie Jekkers will give his final solo performance at the Royal Theatre. We are sure to keep hearing his lied.
Who knows it might stay The man in the clouds also onto Michiel's repertoire. That would be a good idea. Many thanks to Hannah, Michiel and Victoria and to singing teacher Hanneke de Wit who supported this initiative.
Francine van der Heijden
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