Margarethe von Trottas films are about strong women, usually in a significant political context. The biography of the 12th century abbess, mystic, composer, philosopher, botanist and linguist is perfect material for such a film. We see Hildegard, as a Benedictine nun, breaking free from patriarchal rule and founding her own convent on the Rupertsberg in Bingen, as well as the precariousness of her relationships with the other nuns. Vision shows the human face of one of the most fascinating women of the Middle Ages.

26 February, 2017 10:30 -- cinema-zuid

Honey Meconi is one of the most prominent musicologists studying the period from the Middle Ages to the 16th century. She is an authoritative voice on Hildegard von Bingen. How does the music of Hildegard von Bingen fit into the context of mediaeval religious music? And what makes this music so unique? How did one of the most important manuscripts of Hildegards music end up in Dendermonde? This lecture is illustrated in music by the Psallentes female singers led by Hendrik Vanden Abeele.

26 February, 2017 15:00 -- amuz

Rachel Podger & Kristian Bezuidenhout are back on stage with their programme of violin sonatas by Mozart & Beethoven. Bezuidenhout is described by The Independent as A revelation; inspired: Bezuidenhout made the fortepiano sound more beautiful than I have ever heard it before. He is the ideal partner for Podger, whose recording of all Mozarts violin sonatas is considered a reference point for this repertoire. Together, they create a balanced but energetic evening.

10 March, 2017 21:00 -- amuz

Sandrine Piau & Les Paladins create vocal and instrumental fireworks. Following a previous collaboration based on Rameau, they are now putting Vivaldi in the spotlight. The programme includes a selection of breathtaking, virtuoso arias from the Venetian masters operas Farnace and Griselda, a violin concerto from the famous collection La Stravaganza and the sonata La Follia for two violins.

12 March, 2017 15:00 -- amuz

The young South African recorder player Stefan Temmingh has invited soprano Dorothee Mields to join him for a programme of English songs. Well-known tunes such as Greensleeves and songs such as Dowlands Flow my Tears travelled all over Europe in instrumental adaptations many of which were highly virtuoso and variation series. Temmingh and Mields are a fine match in terms of eloquence, feeling and technical brilliance. Sit back and enjoy!

19 March, 2017 15:00 -- amuz

J.S. Bach and G.F. Handel, the two best-known composers of the late Baroque: surely we know everything there is to know about them? Dont be so sure! In 2015, a fascinating discovery was made at the home of a certain Ton Koopman. Amongst all the manuscripts and historic prints in his private library in Amsterdam, the American musicologist and Handel specialist John Roberts found an unknown cantata by his favourite composer. It soon became clear that Roberts had unearthed an early version of the cantata Tu fedel? Tu costante? HWV 171, with three completely different arias to those in the later version.

The soprano Maria Keohane will present this cantata, with its themes of unfaithfulness and betrayal. As we might expect, Bach takes a far more demure approach. In his wedding cantataWeichet nur, betrübte SchattenBWV 202, also for soprano, he sings the praises of chaste love and the first joys of marriage. Instrumental works by Handel and Bach give the young musicians of EUBO their chance to shine. What more could you ask?

22 March, 2017 21:00 -- amuz