De drinkbare rivier
A musical project that brings rivers to life through a captivating dialogue between the River and Man. Claron McFadden gives voice to the water, while spoken word artist Manu van Kersbergen introduces the human questions. Inspired by the book by Li An Phoa, an exciting journey of discovery unfolds through nature, conflict, and ultimately reconciliation.
The music project De Drinkbare Rivier helps to see, hear, meet, and thereby appreciate rivers. Inspired by the walks and the book by Li An Phoa, the project creates connections between rivers and people, between reason and emotion, between science and art. By increasing engagement with water in this way, it not only inspires musically but also calls for action for protection and restoration.
We follow the story of the river from its origin in ice, high in a mountain, to its mouth in the sea. Along the way, it encounters flowers, plants, and animals, both on and below the surface. But further downstream, it faces a confrontation with Humanity in the cities it passes through. The story takes the form of a dialogue full of unanswered questions about chemical discharges, drug residues, pesticides, nitrogen, erosion, biodiversity, and health. Over time, understanding and a willingness to change emerge.
Claron McFadden brings the classically trained yet jazz-infused voice of the River. Her versatility ranges from transparent and sweet to grim and compelling. The American soprano studied at the Eastman School of Music and has built an impressive international career, working with orchestras such as the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and opera companies such as the Bavarian State Opera. She has received, among other awards, the Amsterdam Prize for the Arts.
Manu van Kersbergen , spoken word artist and figurehead of the spoken word, brings the voice of the Human. Language is his tool, the story his capsule. His narrative work ranges from rhythm and rhyme to crossover with composition. As an ambassador for Musicians without Borders, he regularly works with traumatized youth in conflict zones.
The Millennium Jazz Orchestra, led by composer Joan Reinders, is one of the most coherent modern jazz orchestras in the Netherlands, with a repertoire rooted in the tradition of Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Gil Evans, and Maria Schneider. Marieke Meischke , born on a boat and living on the Oude IJssel, wrote the libretto. The visual contribution comes from award-winning underwater filmmakers Arthur de Bruin and Dick Harrewijn .
