EarlyMusicNews.Org

"Marieke Spaans (b. 1972) strives for the maximum in musical expression and dialogue, combined with a thorough knowledge of early music practice. The result is a sparkling performance, full of spontaneity and deep emotions, driven by a boundless passion for the music of the 17th and 18th century.

Last student of Gustav Leonhardt, in 1997 she received her Concert and Teaching diplomas, after five years of study with this grand master of the harpsichord. Coming from this school of harpsichord playing, the keys to her performances are a refined and dynamic touch, historical awareness and respect for the composer and his intensions. Besides her harpsichord studies she studied organ and church music with Hans van Nieuwkoop and Wolfgang Zerer. She attended many master-classes, and received important impulses from musicians such as Lars-Ulrik Mortensen and Jesper Christensen. Currently she is also concentrating on fortepiano.

She was prizewinner at several renowned competitions, in 1997 at the harpsichord competition of NDR Hamburg, in 2000 at the Musica Antiqua Competition of the Flanders Festival in Bruges and at the Competition “Premio Bonporti” in Rovereto.

Marieke Spaans performs in Europe as soloist and as partner of the outstanding violinists John Holloway and Anton Steck. Her recording of W.A.Mozart's opus 1 together with Anton Steck received many rewards of the press (f.ex. "an absolute discografical highlight!" – www.klassik.com)

Marieke Spaans is Professor for Historical Keyboard Instruments at the Institute for Early Music of the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik in Trossingen (Germany). Before her appointment in Germany she taught at the Conservatories of Amsterdam (1994-2000) and Rotterdam (1997-2000). She teaches regularly at courses all over Europe."

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Category: Ensembles/Performers/Associations/Societies / Keyboards

Added on: Apr 26, 2008 | Hits: 1021