Farewell Concert at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam
On May 7, the Conservatorium van Amsterdam’s Composition Department held a very special farewell concert in honour of Willem Jeths, who had been the department’s principal composition teacher since 2007. The concert featured four of Willem’s compositions, alongside speeches by Arnold Marinissen, Kees Vlaardingerbroek, Paul Haenen, Ramin Amin Tafreshi, and Primo Ish-Hurwitz, who shared their personal memories and reflected on the many years they had spent with him. The programme was hosted by Ramin Amin Tafreshi.
Paul Haenen © Co Broerse Primo Ish-Horowitz © Co Broerse Kees Vlaardingerbroek © Co Broerse Ramin Amin Tafreshi © Co Broerse
As Arnold Marinissen, a close friend and colleague, mentioned in his speech, Willem had taught 121 students at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam over the past twenty years. These included not only composition students, but also exchange students and students who attended his instrumentation classes.
“... to all those students, you have given a lot. Passing on and sharing your expertise, your knowledge, your craft, and also your musical drive. And indeed, teaching is the art of helping students develop, becoming professionals in their own right. And the work of many of your graduates and current students sounds broadly in the Dutch and international musical life.” Arnold Marinissen
The musical programme featured four compositions by Willem Jeths, performed by a wonderful group of musicians:
Lèthè – Rik Kuppen & Samuel Jesset
Kristy van Dijk © Co Broerse Peter Brunt & Ellen Curver © Co Broerse Rik Kuppen & Samuel Jesset © Co Broerse Martin String Quartet © Co Broerse
All four performances are also available to watch on YouTube.
At the end of the programme, Willem was invited onto the stage, where Ramin, as the host, thanked him on behalf of all the students. Watch this special moment here:
Afterward, Willem took a moment to address everyone present and share a few words of his own. It was a lovely way to end this beautiful and "unforgettable" evening and bring the celebration to a close.
