On May 8, 2021, the Veere’s Genoegen Music Society celebrated its 100th anniversary. To celebrate this, a jubilee committee was formed that prepared a full programme. Unfortunately, this programme had to be cancelled due to the corona measures. Since parties are possible again in 2022, the association decided to celebrate the jubilee with a year’s delay.
Music Society Veere’s Genoegen
The association has approximately 60 members, 45 of whom are members of the fanfare orchestra. It also has a small orchestra for special occasions. The association is characterised by the close knit relationship between the members and the many volunteers. It has its own clubhouse in the centre of Veere, which is run by volunteers.
Kaaiconcert Veere
The highlight of the anniversary celebration was the “Kaaiconcert” from the Noorderhoofd in Veere (in and around the harbour of Veere) on Saturday evening July 16, 2022. The brass band, supplemented by a combo/band (pianist and guitarists) and by two singers, performed under the direction of conductor Thomas Bruijns.
Die Veste der Veere
On the occasion of the anniversary, the association asked composer Egbert van Groningen to compose a piece of music.
The composer about the opening piece: “I started composing with the idea that it should be a cheerful, festive piece because it is the centenary of “Veere’s Genoegen”. A very memorable fact!
The opening theme is therefore very proud. Besides the feeling of pride in the jubilee music association, it can also stand for the pride in the town of Veere with its rich history with high and low points. After the first “proud” musical element, a change takes place in the atmosphere. The second theme, which is derived from the first theme, radiates doubt and unrest. Eventually, this theme ends in a kind of triumphant victory fanfare in which small elements from the first theme are again used. The restless feeling disappears when the second theme is played again, this time in a more cheerful, major variation. With a reprise of the first “proud” theme, the piece ends with a positive conclusion.
Searching for a good title for the piece, I found out that the town of Veere used to be known by many names. In that search I came across the 14th century name “Die Veste ter Veere”. I thought this name suited my composition well because it can give the music a story. A proud city, a fortress, where there was a lot of activity, but where there was also turmoil and strife. All elements that can be found in the music.”
Overture 1812
Tchaikovsky’s “Overture 1812” was the final piece. The Veere cannoneers contributed to this.
Overture 1812 is an orchestral work by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, which he composed in 1880. The occasion was the inauguration of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, which was built to commemorate the Russian victory over Napoleon’s army in 1812. The piece was premiered in that church on 20 August 1882, conducted by Ippolit Altani.
The overture is typical programme music, which aims to depict the warring machinations of 1812. After a solemn opening with a church hymn started by the cellos, the Marseillaise and the then Russian folk song “God, save the Tsar!
One of the reasons the piece has become famous is the use of carillon and cannon shots to accompany the tsar’s anthem in the finale.
The concert was a great success. Approximately 250 people listened and watched and the reactions were very positive. The Hurgronje Family Fund made a financial contribution to make the concert, which was free to attend, possible.
More information about the Veere’s Genoegen Music Society can be found on the society’s website.
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