From couple over trio to poly amory …

exploring diversity of human love and lust.

Dear Friends,

We are very happy to welcome you to the seventh edition of Beyond Classic in this fabulous and historic concert venue, AMUZ (former St.-Augustinus Church, Kammenstraat 81, 2000 Antwerpen)

As at every edition of this unique concert, we want to make a statement. For several years we have been observing and experiencing a growing polarization, and witnessing declining values such as acceptance, hospitality and empathy towards those at risk of exclusion. Even within our own Queer community, shame and embarrassment are too often taking the place of pride, and which has been for so many decades been the key of our empowerment.  Worldwide we see that anti gender/queer sentiments are growing, fueled by irrational fear and stereotyping.

The fetish community has a very strong language to challenge these threats, and yes, we want to use our voice in all the expressive forms that we have to empower our message of humanism. And in particular, this concert has over the years developed its own narrative. We are bringing together people with different backgrounds, interests, philosophies, preferences etc… curious to meet and to get to know each other, open to be surprised and inspired. In contrast to dividing people into categories and/or being ‘ashamed’ of one other, we believe in the inspirational power of connecting, discovering and sharing passion and expression. This evening, all our artists will subscribe to and communicate this message, using the language of music and dance.

Beyond Classic Antwerp is organized by volunteers and all artists are ‘donating’ their performance.  Most of the production costs are offered by our generous partners and sponsors . This way, we can generate the maximum amount of money to support our charity beneficiaries.

A few words about the program and theme

Alone, in pairs, a threesome or in a group… while in sexuality sometimes concealed, controversial or even taboo it is completely natural in music. There are suitable pieces for all ways of coming together – solo, duet, trio up to bigger ensembles – and whether you prefer one or the other or all of them is just a question of personal taste. Is this perhaps why music is a wonderfully fitting metaphor for human sexuality in general and fetish in particular? Has music already hinted at, tried out and explored in earlier times what we can only really live out in sexuality today?

POLY AMORE is the theme of the new program by FETISH BAROQUE for BEYOND CLASSIC. In fact, gender boundaries were abolished and questioned early on in baroque operas some 300 years ago including lust and seduction as an integral part of their stories. The same happens in instrumental music, when different voices entice and seduce each other and come together to form most unusual pairings and groups. Why not!

Iris Vermillion, a true world star of the opera stage, presents opera highlights together with soprano Philipp Mathmann. Jaouad Alloul  a celebrated representative of the contemporary queer scene in Antwerp and Brussels is going in conversation with the baroque musicians, as does the instrumental ensemble in presenting the global classical hit: one of Vivaldi’s famous “Four Seasons”. And Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, one of today’s most important choreographers, develops a new piece for Beyond Classic, this time with some three dancers. 

To end, a sincere and big thank you to the artists, AMUZ team and board, City of Antwerp, volunteers, partners, sponsors and last but not least all of you for making this exceptional concert possible and bringing us all together.

Thomas Höft
Bart Abeel