Oxalys Ensemble Presented by Liszt Academy

The world of Belle Époque (1870‒1930) lies at the centre of interest of this Belgian chamber ensemble established in 1993. From the perspective of this period with its own particular outlook, the works of the classical masters are looked back on, or ahead to the compositions of modern artists. Oxalys consider it their duty to perform the vocal music of their chosen age as well, thus they work together with famous singers. Their programme Unknown Scandinavia features works by northern masters including pieces that have been rescued from near obscurity. Local audiences are generally not familiar with the names of Swede Hugo Alfvén or the prolific contemporary Finnish master Kalevi Aho, although some works by Dane Niels Gade and Carl Nielsen do feature more frequently. The composition by the latter has a remarkable backstory. Originally the work was written in memory of a painter who died tragically early, and at that time (1910) Nielsen certainly never thought that in 1931 it would be the very same work that would be performed at his own funeral.