Amsterdam, Netherlands. A musical ode to our fragile planet, based on the texts of South African writer Antjie Krog.
The Iona Foundation and the Nederlands Blazers Ensemble (NBE) are working together on the music project Broze Aarde [Fragile Earth.] A tour of the Netherlands will take place in October, featuring different school choirs. An educational package will also be made available, enabling other amateur choirs and orchestras to sing and play for the Earth. The entire text of Krog’s Broze Aarde is set to the music by composer Fant de Kanter. The piece conveys the message that humanity and Earth are one. Young students, including those from Waldorf school choirs, will sing on stage alongside professional singers from Studium Chorale. Our planet is their future Earth. Soloist Christianne Stotijn completes this world premiere.
The Earth’s message, reminding us that she and humanity are inextricably linked, is becoming ever more urgent. Krog begins with the question: “How can our planet care for us if we don’t care for each other? How can we care for each other if we don’t care for the planet?” With the oratorio Broze Aarde, we explore the idea of unity with the Earth. Through and with the music, the musicians, the audience, and the singers become a new unity. Beauty arises from this collaboration—a form of collaboration we must also find with the Earth if we are to protect her and ourselves in our vulnerability. This project is therefore a celebration of the Earth, but also raises awareness of its fragility.
De Kanter translates Krog’s impassioned poetry into a musical language that blends diverse styles and cultures, making the work accessible to a broad audience. The NBE, which has a tradition of social engagement, aims to involve not only professional musicians in this project, but also amateur choirs, choirs of newcomers, and young people. In developing and implementing the educational program surrounding Broze Aarde, the NBE and Studium Chorale are collaborating with the anthroposophical music teacher training program at Leiden University of Applied Sciences. The composition will also be released in a version for amateur choirs, freely accessible online. This ensures the project’s impact extends far beyond the tour.
Contact roos@iona.nl
More Iona Stichting
Translation Paula Boslau
Photo Peter Lodder
