NEuE presents: a portrait of the Spanish composer Francisco Coll, a program around the Spanish composer Francisco Coll (1985) who’s music echoes the spirit and sound world of Spanish flamenco in poetic works filled with energy.
Soloist Christopher Bouwman will be playing Coll’s oboe concerto ‘Taleas Oblicuas’, a newly commissioned work by the New European Ensemble. In addition to Francisco Coll’s works you will also hear works of composers who inspired Coll, like Elliott Carter’s ‘ASKO’ concerto and ‘Mask’ by Michel van der Aa, one of the most prominent Dutch composers of today.
Concerts:
- October/30/2023 – 19:30 | Museo Reina Sofía | Madrid
- November/02/2023 – 20:00 | Valencia
- November/05/2023 – 16:00 | Nieuwe Kerk | den Haag
Composer and conductor Francisco Coll‘s musical journey began with his education at the Valencia and Madrid Conservatoires. However, his quest for artistic excellence led him to London, where he had the privilege of working with the renowned composer Thomas Adès, being his only pupil to this day. Coll also honed his craft under the mentorship of the esteemed Richard Baker at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
In 2012, Coll’s composition “Hidd’n Blue” made its debut with the London Symphony Orchestra, marking the beginning of its journey through the world’s leading orchestras, including the SWR Sinfonie Orchester, Münchner Philharmoniker, and the Cincinnati Symphony. This piece quickly became a symbol of Coll’s talent and creativity.
One of his most remarkable achievements is the opera “Café Kafka,” which premiered to resounding acclaim at the hands of Aldeburgh Music, Opera North, and the Royal Opera, Covent Garden. This success extended to the Palau de les Arts in Valencia, where the opera was warmly received by audiences.
Francisco Coll’s influence extended beyond composing, as he took on the role of Composer-in-Residence at Camerata Bern for the 2018-19 season. His tenure culminated in the creation of the Double Concerto “Les Plaisirs Illuminés,” featuring the brilliant soloists Patricia Kopatchinskaja and Sol Gabetta, with the composer himself conducting.
Among Coll’s notable works is the Violin Concerto, a composition commissioned by the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg, London Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, the NTR ZaterdagMatinee, and the Bamberger Symphoniker. This mesmerizing concerto made its premiere in February 2020 and served as a testament to Coll’s ability to captivate and move audiences with his music.
Coll’s compositions have resonated with audiences around the world, and they have been performed by prestigious orchestras such as the LA Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Lucerne Symphony, and Ensemble Modern. His music has also graced the stages of renowned festivals, including Aix, Aspen, Verbier, and Tanglewood. Collaborations with esteemed instrumentalists such as Pekka Kuusisto, Augustin Hadelich, and Cuarteto Casals further underscore his influence and artistic significance in the world of classical music.
Christopher Bouwman is a distinguished oboist known for his exceptional talent and contributions to the world of classical music. Since November 2006, he has held the esteemed position of solo oboist with the Orquesta de la Comunidad Valenciana “Palau de Les Arts,” demonstrating his commitment to this orchestra for many years.
In addition to his role with the Orquesta de la Comunidad Valenciana, Christopher has showcased his oboe virtuosity as a soloist with several prestigious orchestras. Notably, he has held the position of solo oboist with the Orchester de la Suisse Romande and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, where his musical prowess has shone brightly. His reputation extends to collaborations with other leading orchestras, including the Budapest Festival Orchestra and the Bayerische Staatsorchester, where his musical artistry has left an indelible mark.
Christopher Bouwman’s solo performances have captivated audiences worldwide. Whether sharing the stage with the Orquesta de la Comunidad Valenciana or other renowned orchestras, such as the Swedish Radio Orchestra, the Bruckner Orchestra Linz, and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, his oboe artistry has consistently delivered exceptional musical experiences.
Bouwman’s exceptional talent has garnered international acclaim, evident through his victories at prestigious oboe competitions such as the Fernand-Gillet and the Barbirolli. His remarkable rendition of Richard Strauss’ oboe concerto with the Bruckner Orchestra Linz earned him the title of “Young Musician of the Year” in 2003, further solidifying his status as a world-class oboist and a true luminary in the realm of classical music.