Viva Classic live

Elise Caluwaerts and Bernd van den Bos underline impressive line-up Viva Classic Live

Viva Classic Live is proud to announce that soprano Elise Caluwaerts and pianist Bernd van den Bos have joined the line-up for the upcoming edition. Elise Caluwaerts' impressive career includes collaborations with renowned composers and ensembles, making her a major force in classical and contemporary music repertoire. Bernd van den Bos will charm Venlo's Markt in five performances including classical interpretations of Queen's Freddie Mercury's repertoire. This edition of Viva Classic Live promises to be unique and unforgettable.

Bernd van den Bos

Top pianist, band leader, and songwriter Bernd van den Bos specializes in the music of Freddie Mercury of Queen. He admires Queen's perfectionist frontman and recognizes himself in his dedication. Bernd tours almost continuously with major Dutch artists and is Brigitte Kaandorp's regular pianist. He has played with Paul de Leeuw, Jenny Arean, Louis van Dijk, André van Duin, Simone Kleinsma, and Muziekvereniging Kunst Adelt from Hapert. He is also known as the pianist and bandleader of the successful TV series "Classics with Kleinsma." This year, 50 years after the release of "Bohemian Rhapsody," Van den Bos will play in a grand project that will conclude with a concert at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The kick-off of this project will take place at Viva Classic Live, where Bernd will transform Queen's music behind the keys of his grand piano to styles such as Rachmaninov and other classical genres. 

Elise Caluwaerts

Belgian soprano Elise Caluwaerts is known for her versatility and wide repertoire, ranging from baroque and classical music to contemporary compositions.
She began her musical training as a violinist at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, but later switched to singing and obtained her master's degree with distinction. Elise is a sought-after soloist and has performed in prestigious opera houses and concert halls worldwide. Highlights of her career include roles in "La Traviata," "Don Giovanni," and "Le Nozze di Figaro." She regularly works with renowned conductors and orchestras and has performed at festivals such as the Festival of Flanders and the Klara Festival. Elise is also known for her interpretations of contemporary music and has collaborated with several modern composers.

Besides her opera career, Elise is active as a performer of the art of song and has given several recitals, enchanting her audiences with her expressive singing and refined technique. She is praised for her pure voice, musical intelligence and ability to convey a wide range of emotions.

Viva Classic Live welcomes Mastreechter Staar to Venlo

Viva Classic Live is proud to announce that the renowned choir Mastreechter Staar will take part in the concerts in Venlo. After celebrating their 140th anniversary concert, in which the Venlo baritone Sef Thissen performed as soloist, the impressive Maastricht male choir will make an appearance on the atmospheric market square of Venlo.

“It is an extraordinary achievement to bring a choir of this size and stature to Venlo every evening, but for Viva Classic Live it is a challenge that we take on with enthusiasm. The large choir, consisting of more than 120 people, will be an unmissable addition to the Viva Classic Live line-up,” says baritone and organizer Sef Thissen.

Evert Thielen

In addition to De Mastreechter Staar, a large part of the 2024 concert will be dedicated to the world-famous Venlo native Evert Thielen. His artworks will be scanned in high resolution and presented on the screens of Viva Classic Live, while themes from his work as red will run through the concerts. The collaboration between Thielen and Viva Classic Live promises to be a unique auditory and visual experience, in which both the music and the artworks will jointly play a prominent role. Thielen's exhibition will take place on the second Saturday of Viva Classic Live, on September 14, 2024, will be opened in Museum Van Bommel Van Dam in Venlo.”

Maurice Luttikhuis

At a later date, Thissen will also announce the names of other renowned international artists. Since 2012, Viva Classic Live has been an indispensable event on the Dutch artistic agenda, where classical music lovers are annually surprised by performances by baritone Sef Thissen and other world-famous soloists. The festival is traditionally supported by The New Symphonics and Coro Classico led by Maurice Luttikhuis.