The Pilgrim Fathers, whose departure from the Netherlands for America is commemorated by this album, have had a significant influence on the United States, with nine presidents, including George Bush and Barack Obama, descending from them.
Album & Artwork
The album 'American Pioneers' was recorded in 2020 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers leaving the Netherlands for America.
Performer Biography
Dick van Gasteren, the conductor and artistic director of Ciconia Consort, also regularly conducts Venezuelan orchestras from 'El Sistema' and teaches orchestral conducting at the Conservatorio Inocente Careño de Venezuela.
Performer Biography
Ciconia Consort, The Hague String Orchestra, is a Dutch string orchestra of twenty young musicians, founded in 2012, that focuses on thematic concerts often combined with other disciplines like theatre and literature.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album's pioneering theme is reflected in the Ciconia Consort's choice of composers, each of whom was a pioneer in their own way, from Arthur Foote as an early classical composer to Aaron Copland creating a true 'American sound'.
Performer Biography
Dick van Gasteren, the conductor, studied cello with Anner Bijlsma and orchestral conducting with Jan Stulen, and continued his studies with Bernard Haitink, whom he later assisted at the 'Mahler Festival Amsterdam'.
