The Rediscovery of Henriette Bosmans

IMPRESSIONS: THE REDISCOVERY OF HENRIETTE BOSMANS

We will produce an album celebrating compositions for piano and cello by Henriette Bosmans, a Dutch composer of Jewish and bisexual identity whose career was obstructed by the Nazi occupation of Holland. This will be the premiere recording of her music for piano and cello produced in North America. Proportionally and historically, female and LGBTQ+ composers have not been recognized and opportunities to share their music have been lost. Our album will help address and combat this discrepancy.

Henriette Bosmans (1895–1952) was considered one of the Netherlands most distinguished composers and pianists of the 20th century. She performed with the Amsterdam Concertbegouw over twenty times under internationally renowned conductors and maintained friendships with esteemed musicians such as Benjamin Britten and Willem Pijper. Her compositions were programmed with frequency and awarded prizes, including one bestowed by the Concertgebouw Prize Competition. Today however, her name is virtually unknown in the Netherlands, in North American institutions, and international concert halls.

Initially inspired by German romanticism and French impressionism, Bosmans wrote prolifically for many forms of ensemble “as she pleased, with little or no concern for the musical trends of the time.” Her writing style includes enormous variety, reflecting her life as a musician before, during, and after WWII, and upon the people she met. Her character, combined with her ability to draw from other cultures, results in music that exudes robust romanticism, juxtaposed with atmospheric moments colored by evocative and sensual harmonies.

Her complex identity deeply enriches the significance of her music. She demonstrated resilience in a male-dominated profession, through the Nazi regime, and as a bisexual woman in a time of societal denial and discrimination. Her determination to compose and perform her music even after being banned from public performance is a model of dedication to performers today.

I am an American cellist and Master of Music candidate at McGill. I chose to work with pianist Dr. Dan Sato due to the symbiotic qualities of our artistic collaboration and consistent successes in past performances. Since 2015, we have performed a diverse range of chamber music spanning the standard canon to relatively obscure selections. We have experience in revitalizing attention towards neglected works and successfully presenting world and regional premieres. Our dedication to the score and special attention to detail will ensure that this album is of extremely high quality.

We will record the album in Montreal, distribute it online (i.e, Spotify, itunes,) produce CDs, and perform live concerts. While it is unlikely that we will profit financially from this project, we feel that it is essential to share this music. Our aim is not only to increase awareness of Henriette Bosmans, but also to spark further interest and research into other under-represented composers.
 
Your support would help us finance the following expenses related to producing a CD:

• Renting a hall for recording
• Hiring a producer and recording engineer
• Mixing/mastering the recording
• Album distribution
• Promotional and release concerts

We sincerely appreciate donations at any level, social media shares, and any other kinds of help. Thank you for being part of this project and for your commitment to a more colorful musical future!

Donation perks:

$20+: Coffee date
$50+: Signed CD
$100+: Signed CD, a drink with the artists
$200+:All the above, 30 min cello lesson
$500+ :All the above, private performance in your home
$1000+:All the above, your name listed in the CD credits

To read more about Henriette Bosmans:
http://www.forbiddenmusicregained.org/search/composer/id/100018

To read more about the artists:
Leah Plave, cellist: www.leahplave.com
Dan Sato, pianist: https://www.youtube.com/user/DanSatoSan/