New government gets a musical kick-off with ‘Aan de slag’
Rianne Letschert, the new Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, received a musical mandate on Monday, February 23, the day of her inauguration. With this mandate, the initiators BumaStemra and New Music NOW want to give the start of the new government a musical moment. “Music makers express what is happening in the Netherlands. This is one of those moments.” The work was composed by none other than the Composer Laureate of the Netherlands, Camiel Jansen, in collaboration with the Maat Saxophone Quartet and singer Hanneke Last.
Watch the piece ‘Aan de slag’
As the new Composer Laureate of the Netherlands, Camiel Jansen presents a vision. With his perspective on music, he will fulfill the role of Composer Laureate in the upcoming period (2026-2027). This includes, among other activities, such events. See his explanation and the piece below.
“This piece is a gift to the new government and to Minister Letschert, but also a starting signal. A starting signal for a society in which we can find each other again. The attentive listener recognizes a familiar melody of togetherness. With that, the piece is also a musical mandate.”
Camiel Jansen, Composer Laureate of the Netherlands
About BumaStemra and New Music NOW
BumaStemra represents music creators who create a world full of music. The organization also has insight into the use of music. It ensures that composers, lyricists, and publishers receive a sustainable and prompt compensation that is as high and appropriate as possible for the use of their music. This enables BumaStemra to allow composers, lyricists, and music publishers to collectively contribute to a healthy music ecosystem.
New Music NOW acts as the collective propaganda office for creating, playing, and sharing new music. New Music NOW is seen as a remarkable network, a leading festival, and the platform for new music. It has thus acquired an important position in the landscape of new music.
Photo: Dion Huiskes
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