Ien and Mieke have known each other for more than 25 years. Ien is active as a singer, vocal pedagogue, conductor and care singer. She has Singing school Innervoice Founded. Mieke is a singing student of Ien. As an amateur singer, she loves classical singing and the combination of melody, language and lyrics. In the love of beautiful, acoustic music and expression, Ien and Mieke always find each other. Since her retirement last year, Mieke has had more time for hobbies and side activities. This is how a role with Vrienden van het Lied came their way, a role they enjoy sharing together.
Both hope to offer singers and pianists, and of course other musicians, a pleasant stage and a welcome for atmospheric living room concerts: ‘We love the small scale, the subtlety, the delicacy, the story to a musicians’ own programme. We like to share this pleasure with enthusiasts. In short: welcome to members and prospective members Vrienden van het Lied! Follow us! We look forward to welcoming the first duo we can. A colour of their own, a special angle, an intriguing title or theme, eye-openers in terms of choice of music or programme, we think that would be fun.'
The plan is to organise two concerts this year. That is the main thrust. Of course, our thoughts also turn to a Members-for-members concert. Ien and Mieke have experience in organising and performing these kinds of concerts and take great pleasure in doing so, each from their own perspective.
Of course, there are dreams back and forth. Recently, Mieke read poems by Toon Tellegen, from the collection One of us will look back: ‘It contains short poems that almost demand to be lied. The other way round is also possible. With piano music by Mompou or Chopin, for instance, you sometimes think: who complements such a nocturne, impression or miniature with a piece of poetry? Either way, experiencing and sharing lied art appeals to us. Hope to see you in Rosmalen!’
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