Monthly Archives: September 2020

Trouw has published a great review, written by Frederike Berntsen, about last week’s performance(s) of Joep Franssens’ new Piano Concerto for chamber orchestra, as performed by Ralph and the PHION orchestra conducted by Otto Tausk: Ralph van Raat, tireless advocate of the newest music, gave the first performance of the revised version of Franssens’ concerto from 2015, and acted as the source for a deep listening mode. Also in this work, the pianist showed his tremendous dedication to the contemporary classical repertoire: his approach is intelligent and well cared for; nothing is coincidental, but it all sounds natural.  

Authoritative online music magazine Sequenza21 has published a rave review about Ralph’s French Piano Rarities CD, written by Christian Carey. Quoting: Van Raat’s recording of the work for Naxos is authoritative, details large and small shaped with impressive care and bold playing. […] They all prove that, past the well-worn selections one frequently hears on recitals, there are many underserved pieces that hardly deserve to be “rarities.”  The review can be read in full here.

Starting tomorrow, Ralph will perform the world premiere of Joep Franssens’ beautiful Piano Concerto, three times. The work is written for and dedicated to Ralph, and he will perform it with the PHION orchestra, under the baton of conductor Otto Tausk. The first concert, tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 11) at 20.00 h (Dutch time), will be livestreamed watchable for free through PHION’s Facebook and Youtube accounts. You are more than welcome to listen and watch along, live!