The last one of all the new works by the three Bang on a Can composers at this Cello Biennale is by David Lang: a new concerto for Harriet Krijgh, Claron McFadden, and Amsterdam Sinfonietta. Bang on a Can is an inspiration to young composers all over the world. They have a close bond with Australian-born, Netherlands-based Kate Moore. Kate is rapidly building a name – she won the Matthijs Vermeulen Award 2017 – and at this Biennale, two of her works are performed, including a new composition for the four cellists from Amsterdam Sinfonietta. A highlight of Bang on a Can would be incomplete without music by Louis Andriessen, who has been their major inspirer since the 80s.
At the Cello Biennale in 2008, Kristina Blaumane performed the new cello concerto written by Bulgarian-British composer Dobrinka Tabakova. After 10 years of being performed and recorded, this piece deserves a reprise.