It could be a schoolchild’s dream: to have your composition debuted by one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. An honour bestowed to Frederik Neyrinck in September.
While our compositions remain limited to Focus on Belgium articles and not symphonies, we can dream along with Belgian composer Frederik Neyrinck, whose latest piece was performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra in the Concertgebouw (concert building) of Bruges – an iconic location.
His Vijf patronen (Five patterns) was commissioned by the Concertgebouw and got the opportunity to shine in between pieces by Jean Sibelius, Alban Berg, and Boris Lyatoshinsky, each of them huge names in their industry.
Neyrinck described writing for a symphonic orchestra as receiving access to “an enormous kitchen, with all ingredients imaginable.” He cooked up his five patterns with, but mostly for, one of the greatest orchestras in the world, though he’s just as happy writing for smaller ensembles or even amateur singers. This guy just has a passion for music, for composing, and we get to taste the fruits of that passion.
What a tremendous honour for this composer who stands on the shoulders of giants. Perhaps one day he’ll be as beloved as, say, Eugène Ysaÿe. Only time will tell, but the future looks bright for this Belgian composer.
