Matthew Barley/Cellist

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.

Victor Hugo

Amsterdam with Manu Delago

November 24th and 25th, Amsterdam Concertgebouw Kleine Saal in the series Tracks: I’ll be playing with Austrian hang drum player, Manu Delago. Apart from a small set at 3am in my Barbican all-nighter they will be our first performances together, so I’m really looking forward to sharing that stage and acoustic with such a fine musician. Our programme is quite a journey. From solo Bach, Kodaly and Sollima on the cello, to solo material of Manu’s on the hang drum; new versions of well known classics like The Swan from Carnival of the Animals (sounds SO cool with a hang drum!), to unusual new arrangements of movements from Monteverdi’s Vespers – also, very magical in this sounds combination – the whole thing will run without a break. The effect should be a deep immersion in the beauty of sound and musical shape in the great acoustic of one of my favourite halls. There is a loose theme of nature – the pieces are ones that evoke for me the elements of water, earth, air or fire, and the hall will be dressed up like you’ve not seen it before – I can’t really give anything away now, but it will be very striking! If you have never heard a hang drum before, it is simply one of the most beautiful instruments in the world (along with the duduk, and the cello – pure soul), and you can check out a track of Manu’s here.

2 Comments

  • Manuela says:

    Dear Barley,

    I really wanted come to your concert with Manu Delago last week, but unfortunately I could not make it. My question is: is there a audio or video recording of your collaboration? Or are you both playing again in The Netherlands any time soon? I am just thrilled to hear what I believe must be a beautiful musical combination and experience.

    Looking forward to good news 🙂

    Manuela

  • Hi Manuela,
    There has been a video made for our private use, but we may put a couple of tracks on YouTube in the New Year…keep an eye on the website! Best wishes, Matthew

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