The Dutch composer Jan-Peter de Graaff (1992) has rapidly become one of the most striking composers in the country. His accessible musical language reflects a deep love for tradition, drawing inspiration from Baroque, Impressionism, jazz, and film music. His compositions shine through their crystal-clear structure, glowing timbres, and powerful melodic inventiveness.

For November Music, Jan-Peter de Graaff presents a new, dramatic song cycle titled Parallax. Joining him are the versatile soprano Katrien Baerts and Het Collectief Ensemble. Katrien Baerts has previously collaborated with prominent figures such as Oliver Knussen, Theo Loevendie, Reinbert de Leeuw, and Robert Zuidam. This outstanding ensemble immerses itself in the highly relevant world of conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, fake news, and the madness that arises from it. It’s a golden age for sects and groups spreading false information to provide people with false certainty and security. The consequences can be so severe that they can even jeopardize public health.

The song cycle Parallax follows a woman who becomes involved with the so-called Flat Earth Society, a controversial group that believes the Earth is flat. Her belief leads her to the extreme of wanting to build a rocket to see for herself and prove her theory. The lyrics were written by Yuri Robbers. Together, Robbers and De Graaff slowly try to unravel the insane world of the "rocket woman" through their songs. The direction is in the hands of Kenza Koutchoukali.

Jan-Peter de Graaff has previously worked with renowned ensembles such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Residentie Orkest, the Netherlands Chamber Choir, and Asko|Schönberg. Earlier this year, The Volkskrant praised his cello concerto The Forest in April for cellist Maya Fridman, calling his orchestration “beautifully flowing harmonies.”

In collaboration with Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ and Opera Zuid.