I have been invited to play a piano Concerto with a Dutch Orchestra, about a year from now!

The piece is Concertina for piano and Orchestra by Kees van Baaren - a famous Dutch composer.

It is in 3 movements, and though quite short (about 12 minutes) it is far from easy - so there is hard work to be done. However it is a very beautiful piece.

I was so excited that I was desperate to share this good news with people that will understand just how much it means, and what a challenge it is.

That is fantastic news Tom! Best of luck with it and keep us posted about your progress (especially when you practise with another pianist or the orchestra.)

Congratulations, Tom - that is fantastic!

Hooray! Let us know when and where - perhaps we could have a Forum trip to the Netherlands.

That's fantastic MT!
Such good news especially after hearing of the competition you wanted to enter being cancelled!!
That's brilliant!
Lots of hard work ahead but how exciting!!!!!
Congratulations!!!!!

Wow - congratulations Mad Tom.

Now the hard work starts. You'll have too get someone to film it and post it somewhere so we can all enjoy your moment

Lois

This is fantastic news; you must be ecstatic! Congratulations!

Good luck with that Tom. I have actually heard of Kees van Baaren, though in what context I'm not sure. Has he published some solo piano music ?

Best of luck MT!

I'm glad something worthwhile's replaced the competition which fell through. I'm sure you'll relish the challenge and will undoubtable make a great success of it.

I have to confess that I too haven't heard of Kees van Baaren, I shall go and rectify that immediately.

(trots off to ask Uncle Google)

Congratulations Tom. That's really exciting.

(I hadn't heard of the composer either Chris L). Let us know how the preparation goes.
Any idea when you first get together with the orchestra?

Congratulations MT, that is brilliant.

What a fantastic opportunity for you! Terrifying at times, no doubt, but absolutely wonderful!

It will be great to have something like this to work for, and 12 minutes is quite a manageable length of piece. So pleased to hear your news.

That's great.
Enjoy!

Congratulations

Very pleased for you, your hard work to get to this point has paid off - many congratulations!

Did you ever think 5 years ago that this would happen?

How exciting!

Date? Time? Place? Telephone number of box office?

Many congratulations!

Ooh well done Tom. Enjoy it all.
Bev

Oh wow! Well done MT!

Congratulations, you continue to be an inspiration to many of us, I'm sure!

Whoaa!!
playing piano with orchestra definitely a wonderful moment
good luck for you

That's so cool
Congratulations

I shall endeavour to be there - on my bicycle in true dutch style!

Thanks for the good wishes. You are all very kind. And it helps. I'll post updates on progress, and on time/location when details are confirmed.

Ooh how exciting! Many congratulations, MT Do keep us posted

My most sincere congratulations! You'll certainly cut a fine figure. You've also got plenty of time for studying, polishing, practising, etc. An excellent chance!

Definitely keep us updated on your progress! A marvellous achievement. I've no doubt you'll perform admirably.

Congratulations!!!

wow! Good luck! If you can, try and get a recording of the performance for us all to watch here!

Jacob.

How fantastically, wonderfully brilliant. I've only come back to the forums recently, but have enjoyed not only your posts but your musical efforts too. Please keep us up to date. If (and sometimes things turn out that way), I am in your neck of the woods on the day. I will be sure to come and offer support. The very best of luck, and I wish you a wonderful musical journey.



Iona

Well done, I'm really pleased for you, especially after the disappointment with the competition. There's nothing quite like playing with an orchestra & I'm sure you'll love it. I'm lucky enough to be doing it in July for the 5th time & I'm really excited about it. I don't know the concerto you're doing & it'd be great to hear a recording of you doing it.

That kicks the proverbial! I'm very jealous!