A SUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM WITH OPUS 16
- Tracey Taylor
- Jun 6, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 7, 2022
Strike the right note
The picturesque village of Eijsden can be found nestled in a quiet corner of South Limburg and is home to a former Ursuline convent which is now a museum. I am seated in the old chapel for a concert being given by two renowned classical pianists: Michelle Lynne and Aude St-Pierre.
Both hailing from Canada, Michelle and Aude are now residing in Europe and have been playing piano since childhood. As one might expect, their résumés speak for themselves – from performances around the globe, to multiple awards, diplomas, masterclasses, and recognition from their peers.
The concert I was kindly invited to attend (a presentation of works for four hands by Beethoven, Bach, Dvořák, Liszt, and Mozart) was arranged by the Opus 16 Concerts Foundation which was established in 2015 and is the brainchild of artistic director, Michelle Lynne.
“A fundamental goal of our foundation” says Michelle, “is to provide a beautiful space for musicians to perform and make a connection with their audience”.
Not my forte
Whether you are a seasoned lover of classical music or only just developing a crush, the Opus 16 Concerts Foundation offers the perfect platform for audiences to enjoy performances by talented musicians (both local and international) on a variety of instruments. From cello to piano, from clarinet to violin…
“We aim to provide visibility for musicians and artists in the region” says Michelle, “and our concerts take place not only in Eijsden but also at charming venues in Heerlen, Heythuysen and Maastricht”.
And it doesn’t stop there… Although the Opus 16 Concerts Foundation is currently busy with its 2022 program, it is also looking to expand its portfolio to not only bring musical acts to its audiences, but to also explore art forms like dance, film, and painting, along with meditation concerts to support loneliness and depression.
The foundation also works with social organizations in Eijsden to offer recitals for refugees and the underprivileged, as well as at local schools and for the elderly in the community.
Key to success
I was genuinely moved and inspired during the Lynne – St-Pierre four hands piano concert and left the chapel feeling rather uplifted and eager for more! The intimate setting allowed for a real “connection” with the artists who shared their talent, and passion for piano with such raw honesty and authenticity. The performers were not only sincere but were also approachable and it was refreshing to get to chat with both lovely ladies in the museum bar after the show (vs. having them simply “vanish” behind a stage curtain!).
“An important factor for the Opus 16 Concerts Foundation is to make classical music accessible for everyone” says Aude. “And to highlight that it is not just an elite group who can enjoy such an experience” adds Michelle.
Indeed the “snobbery” that can sometimes be associated with classical music is absent here. These are concerts that really do forge togetherness between the artist and the audience and help showcase how classical music programs are truly for everyone. This is music as it should be. This is Opus 16.
Opus 16 Concerten
Breusterstraat 27
6245 EH Eijsden, NL
@opus16concerten
Learn more about Michelle:
Learn more about Aude:
Fun Fact: The Opus 16 Concerts Foundation takes its name from Sergei Rachmaninov's Opus 16 titled "Moments Musicaux" (Musical Moments).
Did you know?
It is possible to support the Opus 16 concerts and become come a patron of the foundation – for more information, please reach-out to the team via opus16concerten@gmail.com
About the author:
Tracey Taylor lives in Maastricht with Dave and their cat, Little Tubbs. Tracey is Irish, a hobby photographer, a blogger, yoga lover, and editor at ACCESS magazine (NL). She also sings in a local church choir.
@traceytaylor_nl | @taylormade_nl | @littletubbs_thecat
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