*
banner

Eyeballs and werewolves...

Dutch composer Geert Jan Kroon has been busy keeping his eye focused on a few interesting musical projects of late...

Eeball
  One of the composer's projects combines eyeballs and werewolves...

Despite the restrictions on performances around Europe due to Covid-19, Dutch composer Geert Jan Kroon has remained busy with a number of different projects.

Requiem

In fact, a Requiem commission with the Swiss Army Brass Band will reflect on the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, focusing on themes of isolation, insecurity and dissatisfaction as well as togetherness, optimism and respect for the heroic work of others, especially in the care sectors.

The work will see a text written by Monique Bronkhorst which will be translated into the different Swiss languages.

Geert told 4BR: "The premiere is scheduled for 2022, when hopefully we can all start to look back on what has happened.
I've been thrilled to work with conductor Philip Werlen on this challenging project and to explore many of the issues that arisen from the pandemic for individuals and communities.

There has been despair as well as great hope and being able to link the music with a text will add an extra dimension. It is music very much for our time."

Eyeballs and Werewolves

Meanwhile, Geert has also started a project of a very different kind — especially given its title: 'The Legend of the Bleeding Eyeball and the Blind Werewolf'.

It's a work inspired by Geert's young son, and which like an interactive video game sees the listener take decisions in building up the musical material to tell the tale — dark, but fun, with the imagination let free to run riot.

"My son came up with the idea — and it was a great one,"Geert admitted. "The tale is for the listener to tell and develop so that they can let their imagination take them in any direction they wish — although I don't quite know how to write music for a bleeding eyeball just yet!"

they can let their imagination take them in any direction they wish — although I don't quite know how to write music for a bleeding eyeball just yet!Geert Jan Kroon

Soli euphs

Amid all this Geert has also found time to release the first single recording of the Euphoniums of Soli Brass Leeuwarden, the elite level Dutch band that he has been associated with for many years.

He explained: "This project came together with my friend and fellow euph player at Soli, Gerbrich. With a few microphones, and my own studio where I could record a little bit, and a little bit of studio knowledge, we started recording an album.

The grant I received from the BUMA investment fund has ensured that I could buy new microphones and that we can record even better.

To our surprise, the single has been placed in a curated playlist by Spotify and has been streamed over 10,000 times. The plan is to release a few more singles in the coming months, towards the release of an entire album."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd