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Interview

Ten years of success in Tilburg: Kamerata Zuid

This year is particularly special for our in-house ensemble Kamerata Zuid, as they are celebrating their tenth anniversary. For many years they have given numerous beautiful performances in our Concert Hall. Artistic director Frank Adams and managing director Marieke Machado-Veekens look back on their ten years of success and ahead to a special concert: Chamamé Sinfónico Nuevo.
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“There was a gap for a new chamber orchestra, and we jumped into that gap,” says Frank Adams about the start of Kamerata Zuid. Together with co-founder Niels Verweij, Frank set up the new ensemble, naturally in Tilburg because both men come from there and therefore know the city and its residents well. Frank: “I wanted to create something very beautiful, something that has artistic value. We have always tried to work towards that from the very beginning.”

Distinctive sound

Frank: “In fact, from the very beginning, the idea has always been to do something with the classical sound of a symphony orchestra, the string sound. We did not want other instruments, no drums, no guitars.” Kamerata Zuid has the ambition to enter into many bold collaborations between classical composers and artists from all kinds of genres, in order to arrive at new music. Frank: “That is our strength and we still hold on to that.”
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Growth spurt

In recent years, the ensemble has experienced enormous growth. For example, they have collaborated with various well-known artists such as Jett Rebel, Eloi Youssef, Ellen ten Damme and many others. In addition, alongside their home base of Schouwburg & Concertzaal Tilburg, they have also expanded into other cities. Frank: “I am proud of our national reach.” Marieke: “From Groningen to Maastricht. We are becoming increasingly well known around our entire artistic profile.” And they are rewarded for their success: “We have been invited to perform during the national remembrance on 4 May in Amsterdam. That is confirmation that we are on the right track.” Their success leaves them wanting more. Frank and Marieke have great dreams and ambitions for the ensemble. Frank: “Reaching international venues is a great dream of mine.”

Chamamé

On Thursday 21 May, the ensemble will present their new project Chamamé Sinfónico Nuevo in our Concert Hall. This project originated after the ensemble travelled to Argentina, and successfully so; soon you will be able to watch this journey as a documentary prior to the performance. Marieke: “I would like chamamé to become better known among the Dutch.”

Chamamé Sinfónico Nuevo blends the traditional sounds of chamamé with the classical sound of an orchestra. Chamamé is a music genre from the north of Argentina, the south of Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Frank: “But it is not just music. It is also culture, coming together and being together. Furthermore, chamamé is also nature. For example, the Paraná River is an enormous source of inspiration for Argentinians and, with that, their music as well.” What makes the show even more unique is the collaboration with one of the most renowned guitarists in the world, the Brazilian Yamandu Costa, and the Argentinian artists Santiago Cimadevilla and Nino Zannoni. Frank: “They bring their knowledge, experience and passion for chamamé with them. That is particularly special.”
Chamamé Sinfónico Nuevo