Quink to perform at Hesburgh Library Auditorium
Special to The Observer
Since Quink's debut in the 1978 Holland Festival, this remarkable Dutch vocal ensemble has risen to the top of its field and has been invited to perform on prestigious concert series around the world.
The five young singers, who are also experienced soloists, have developed a unique sound which allows them to illustrate with style and expressiveness the great variety of a cappella music. The ensemble includes Marjolein Koetsier, soprano; Mja Roodveldt, soprano; Corrie Ponk, alto; Hary Van Bene, tenor; and Kees-jn de Koning, bass.
Quink's repertoire varies widely and consists of a cappella music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods as well as works by Romantic composers.
Since the spring of 1995, Quink combined forces with the Dutch instrumental Baroque ensemble The New Consort, thus covering a large part of the repertoire more often performed by larger groups. Moreover, the ensemble actively seeks out new works and commissions both of established and modern masters. A number of Dutch, German and American compositions have been dedicated especially to Quink.
Quink has recorded on the Etcetera and CBS labels, and released compact discs with Vanguard Classics (Vaughn-Williams/Finzi) and Ottavo (Purcell; Buxtehude). Quink's CDs on Telarc International include collections of Italian and English madrigals, an offering of Christimas carols, a CD of international folksongs, "Invisible Cities," a collection of contemporary Dutch a cappella music and most recently, "Ain't Misbehavin," on occasion of their 20th anniversary.
In 1983, Quink received its first international recognition when the group was named finalist in a major music competition in Europe. Since then, it has been invited to perform on important series at home and abroad. The ensemble is often heard on radio and has also been invited to appear on national and international TV.
Quink's first United States tour in 1985 was so artistically successful that it often tours the U.S. twice a year. Tours have included residencies at Dartmouth and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and concerts throughout the country. Quink was invited as special guest at the Iowa Choal Directors' Convention and gave its New york debut at Merkin Hll in 1988. Since then, the ensemble has performed many recitals across the U.S., including several performances at The Cloisters in New York, and concerts on both coasts, in the Midwest and in Alaska.
They have also performed for Livent in Canada, and the group is regularly invited to internationally-acclaimed music festivals. In the spring of 1988, Quink appeared in festivals in Tel Aviv and Singapore. Future seasons include tours throughout Europe and the Far East.
All Scene Stories for Tuesday, September 7, 1999
