Wim Henderickx’s Inspirational “SUTRA” Clarinet Concerto
Annelien Van Wauwe had the privilege to premiere Wim Henderickx’s remarkable basset clarinet concerto “SUTRA.” The concerto, commissioned by BBC Radio 3 and the Borletti-Buitoni Trust, is an exploration of music’s transcendental dimensions. “SUTRA” is dedicated to her, consisting of four parts: “Pranayama” (breath of life), “Dhyana” (meditation), “Dharana” (mind concentration), and “Samadhi” (intense spiritual union). It pushes the boundaries of a traditional concerto, with electronics enhancing the connection between the orchestra and the soloist, enveloping the audience in an immersive musical journey. All details via this link.
Yoga Sutras
The title “SUTRA” draws inspiration from the Yoga Sutras, foundational scriptures of yoga expounded by Patanjali Maharishi. Just as these sutras thread together the science of yoga, Henderickx’s composition weaves intricate musical elements. The concerto transcends the typical soloist-orchestra dialogue, fostering a profound connection between performers and listeners.
Album
Annelien has recorded Wim Henderickx’s “SUTRA” concerto alongside Mozart’s timeless masterpiece for her album “FLOW” with the NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover under the baton of Andrew Manze, released by Pentatone in 2022.
Meditation Concert
In collaboration with the CAROUSEL Chamber Music Ensemble, Annelien presents chamber music programs such as ‘Breath of life and FLOW‘ inspired by Henderickx’s legacy. As a certified yoga teacher, Annelien also offers a unique meditation concert that combines a workshop on yoga breathing techniques with live excerpts from “SUTRA,” creating a harmonious blend of music and mindfulness.
New Clarinet Concerto Benjamin Attahir (2026)
French composer Benjamin Attahir (b. 1989) is currently composing ‘Love is Louder’, a new Concerto for Clarinet, Perfumer & Orchestra for Annelien. The co-commissioners are the Orchestre National d’Île de France, Schleswig-Holsteinisches Sinfonieorchester and Buffet Crampon Paris. Several concerts are planned, amongst others in the Philharmonie in Paris in February 2027. All details via this link.
New Clarinet Concerto Annelies Van Parys (2026)
The new work stems from a shared artistic wish to develop a substantial new piece for the instrument. It will receive its world premiere with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra at Concertgebouw Brugge in autumn 2028. All details via this link.
PLEA FOR EMANCIPATION
The work can be understood as a metaphor for emancipation. The soloist initially engages in a dialogue with the orchestra from just offstage, gradually becoming fully integrated into the ensemble before moving increasingly to the forefront, ultimately concluding the piece in a brilliant, front-and-centre culmination. With a female soloist such as clarinettist Annelien Van Wauwe, this reading gains additional resonance: the work can be heard as a narrative of, and a plea for, emancipation—where the woman was once invisible, later merely “tolerated,” and today is able, and allowed, to claim her rightful place at the centre of the stage. The concerto for clarinet and orchestra will last approximately 20–25 minutes. As with many of Van Parys’s works for soloists, it will be written specifically for the performer. The orchestration will be similar to Debussy’s Première Rhapsodie for clarinet and orchestra and serves as a kind of 21st-century response to it. The aim is to explore the clarinet’s agile and colourful character in all its sensuality.
