Halaevalu Mata’aho, Queen Mother of Tonga – Picture by Tongan Monarchy.2 March 2017, Kingdom of Tonga: The late Queen Mother of Tonga, Halaevalu Mata’aho (29 May 1926 – 19 February 2017) was buried in Tonga after her sudden demise aged 90 during a medical checkup in New Zealand. Halaevalu Mata’aho was married to King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, with whom she had four children, and served for 41 years as Queen consort. After her husband died in 2006, she took on the tile of “Queen Mother” when her eldest son, Siaosi (George) Tupou V, was crowned king. King Siaosi Tupou V also passed away during a medical checkup in Hong Kong in 2012. By age 90, Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho had outlived two kings and witnessed the crowning of a third, her youngest son King Tupou VI.The official mourning period was reduced to 10 days by the Royal House, albeit formally the Royal Family mourns for 100 days. During that time Tongans wore black and many businesses remained closed. There was a kava ceremony to honour the late Queen Mother, and the mourning period was rounded up with the traditional laying of black pebble stones on the Queen Mother’s tomb.For further information:https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/watch-fires-ring-tongas-royal-palace-late-queen-mother-magnificent-choir-leads-moving-vigilTongan High Commission (Mission to the EU, Israel, Russia, the Benelux countries, etc., HE Ambassador Sonata Tupou): http://tongahighcommission.com/about/
On the picture Ugandan Ambassador Mirjam Blaak greeting Ambassador Dillum Haymandoyal (Mauritius to the EU, ACP Group and Benelux countries) and spouse.13 March 2017, Residence of Mauritius in Brussels: HE Ambassador DillumHaymandoyal hosted a reception commemorating the 49th anniversary of independence of his country, and 25th anniversary as a republic. Left Ambassador of Cabo Verde José Filomeno de Carvalho Dias Monteiro (EU, ACP Group, OPCW and Benelux countries).Independence Day, is marked yearly on 12 March highlighting the 1968’s adoption of a constitution in Mauritius as well as the end of British colonial rule. Officially the country became at the time a Commonwealth realm sharing HM Queen Elizabeth II as “Queen of Mauritius” until 1992, when a republic was proclaimed. The country itself is named after German-Dutch prince, Maurits of Nassau (Moritz von Nassau), Governor of the Dutch Provinces of Holland, Zeeland, Gelre, Overijssel, Groningen and Drenthe. In Latin his name was Mauritius, hence the name of the islands colonised by the Dutch in 1598. Ambassador Dillum Haymandoyal greeting Bhutanese Ambassador Pema Choden (EU, OPCW, Belgium, The Netherlands and Nordic countries).During his short allocution Ambassador Haymandoyal thanked the presence of his Ethiopian counterpart, HE Teshome Toga Chanaka, Chairman of the African, Caribbean and South Pacific (ACP) Group of States’ Committee of Ambassadors. Ambassador Haymandoyal brought attention to his country’s golden jubilee of independence to be celebrated in 2018. In the center ACP Secretary General Dr Patrick Gomes.For further information:Missions of Mauritius to the EU, the OPCW, the ACP Group and the Benelux countries: http://www1.govmu.org/portal/sites/mfamission/brussels/index.htmGovernment of Mauritius: http://www.govmu.org/English/News/Pages/A-series-of-activities-organised-to-mark-National-Day-Celebrations.aspx
International Women’s Day celebration in the Netherlands
The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in The Hague in collaboration with the Rwandan Community in the Netherlands, celebrated International Women’s Day on the 18th March under the theme ‘Preserving the Dignity Regained’. Internationally, it was celebrated under the theme ‘Be Bold for Change’.
This occasion brought more than 200 guests from several dignitaries together including ambassadors, civil societies in the Netherlands, Rwandan diaspora and friends of Rwanda.
The gathering served as a platform to reflect on the achievements registered so far, the challenges and the way forward in regards to women empowerment in Rwanda and the Netherlands.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157678343375263
The master of ceremony Ms Joelle Mpinganzima, welcomed everyone at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague and thanked the Embassy of Rwanda for continued collaboration in organization of the International Women’s Day. She moderated the program that started with a panel discussion led by Ms Joy Uwanzigaand Mr Robert Kayinamuraabout women empowerment and culture.
The key message by Mrs Christine Safari, representative of the Rwanda Women Diaspora, was about the essential role of gender equality in attaining women empowerment. The event, that also included several dance performances by the Inganzo Cultural Troop and a colorful fashion show, further highlighted the importance of equal representation of women at all levels of government and the integration of gender issues in all aspects of development.
The guest of honor was Mrs Leontine Van Hooft, CEO of GreenDreamCompany & Ubuntu Impact Investments in the Netherlands. She is the director and co-founder/owner of GreenDreamCompany and Ubuntu Impact Investments. Both firms work closely together and in partnerships on the development of creative leisure, hospitality and tourism industry, in upcoming markets like Rwanda. Mrs Van Hooft said in her speech that it’s still crucial to women to get connected worldwide through internet, global society and women’s networks. She said that each individual can and should make a difference and quoted an African proverb: “If you think you are to small to make a difference, you have not spent the night with a mosquito!”
H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga, thanked all guests who attended the celebration and reminded that Rwanda has done enormous progress in all sectors for last 22 years from scratch, under the exceptional leadership of President Paul Kagame. Specifically, in the journey to gender equality and women’s empowerment, a lot has been done and great progress has been registered making Rwanda one the best performers worldwide.
“This year Rwanda celebrated this day for the 42nd time with the theme: ‘preserving the dignity regained’. For Rwandans in general and for Rwandan women in particular we have good reasons to celebrate this day, considering tremendous achievements and progress we did in struggling for gender equality and women’s empowerment”, said the Ambassador.
Women empowerment in Rwanda
In Rwanda women make up 52 per cent of its population; the country was ranked 6th worldwide in the World Economic Gender Gap Report 2015, up from 7th position in 2014. The report ranks 145 countries on their ability to close the gender gap in four fundamental areas: economic participation and opportunity, education, health and survival, and political empowerment. However, despite an impressive record on gender equality, challenges still prevail.
——
Photography by the Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague.
Thursday 23 March 2017, 20:15, Lutherse Kerk The Hague
European Union Baroque Orchestra performs Bach and Händel
They receive universal acclaim for their your youthful energy and powerful performances. When the musicians of the European Union Baroque Orchestra appear on stage, the audience brings down the house and reviewers reach for superlatives.
The secret of their success? The ensemble has a new line-up every year. Only the best baroque musicians qualify to become a member. Dozens of aspiring musicians apply, but no more than 25 are selected. They work with the best conductors and soloists for many months and go on tour optimally prepared. This year the ensemble will be conducted by the renowned harpsichordist and conductor Lars Ulrik Mortensen.
The programme fits the musicians like a glove. The soloist is the soprano Maria Keohane. In 2000 she won the Musica Antica Award during the Van Wassenaer Early Music Competition. She has every chance to shine in Händel’s solo cantata Tu fedel! Tu costante, a brilliant piece with which the composer, just 21, was able to win over the audience in Rome. It started his international career that brought him to London, where he could develop himself to one of the most acclaimed opera composers of his time. 25 Years after his early success in Rome, Covent Garden hosted the first performance of Händel’s opera Alcina. Maria Keohane will sing the aria Ombre pallide from this masterpiece. It was immensely popular in its time.Lars Ulrik Mortensen will take the limelight in Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto in A-major. The European Union Baroque Orchestra will finish their only concert in The Netherlands with Bach’s Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten, a sparkling wedding cantata and an ode to spring. UnsubscribeThis concert is also the final event of the European Early Music Network (REMA). This year it takes place in The Hague. Musica Antica da Camera is one of the main organisers.
European Union Baroque Orchestra.
Lars Ulrik Mortensen (conductor and harpsichord), Maria Keohane(soprano), Bojan Čičić (concert master and solo violin) and Neven Lesage(oboe).
George Friedrich Händel (1685-1759)
Concerto Grosso Op 6 no. 10 in d-minor, HWV328 – Cantata Tu fedel? Tu costante? HWV171a – Passacaglia in G-major HWV399 – Ah! Ruggiero: Ombre pallide from Alcina
The seventeenth freedom lecture is being held by Palestinian Jamil al Qassas and Israeli Assaf Yacobovitz, both active within the movement Combatants for Peace. This organization was founded in 2006 by (former) Israeli soldiers and Palestinian combatants, who decided to lay down their arms and by means of nonviolent protest speak out against the occupation. Combatants for Peace cooperates towards a peaceful solution for both populations.The Combatants for Peace are nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize!What makes Combatants for Peace so exceptional is that in an extremely polarized and unequal environment, people dare to think across the boundaries of their own in-group. Compassion and empathy are not only key concepts for the organization, but in the case of the Israel-Palestine conflict, almost revolutionary. Despite the huge resistance within their own group and the political reality of violence on both sides, Combatants for Peace stays committed towards a peaceful solution, because they believe in a long term strategy where eventually our common humanity will triumph.In times of global polarization where different groups seem to live completely in their own reality and point out the other as the scapegoat, we are going to engage in a conversation between al Qassas and Yacobovitz about their radical belief in the strength of empathy.Jamil al Qassa was born as a Palestinian in the Deheisha refugee camp outside of Bethlehem. He participated in the first Intifada, an uprising where he was consecutively jailed for thirteen times and his brother was killed. He now lives in Deheisha with his wife and children, works in construction and is active in his local community, being part of The Parents Circle – Families Forum as well as Combatants for Peace.Assaf Yacobovitz served as an officer in the Israeli Airforce. He took part in Operation Cast Lead, which was part of the first Gaza War. After this experience, Assaf decided to join Combatants for Peace. He lives in Tel Aviv where he works as a psychologist.In these days of global polarisation, when different population groups seem to living in separate realities, always keen to point the finger at someone else, Janneke Stegeman joins al Qassas and Yacobovitz to discuss their radical belief in the power of empathy. Janneke Stegeman is bible specialist and theologian of the year. After spending two years in Jerusalem carrying out research into religion and conflict, she became particularly interested in both the creative and the potentially destructive side of conflict. Freedom Lecture at Het Nutshuis, The Hague.28/03/201720.00hrs.Entrance is €10,- Click here for ticketsThis Freedom Lecture is in cooperation with Movies that Matter, Vfonds, Democratie en Media, Movies that Matter en De Balie.
Convincing Craftmanship and Expertise at Tefaf Maastricht
By Shirley Cottaar.
This year it was the 30th edition from Tefaf Maastricht where works of extraordinary provenance and quality took the lead. Almost 71.000 visitors out of 60 countries came to the world’s leading fine art and antique fair at the MECC (Maastricht Exhibition & Congress Centre) from 10-19 March 2017.
Tefaf Maastricht provides an unrivalled marketplace for the world leading dealers and specialists to present the finest works available, covering 7,000 years of art history. Diplomate Magazine reports about some remarkable discoveries from the fair.
Otto Jakob
This master in jewellery from Karlsruhe surprises with stunning creations that are much more than jewellery. It is art. Especially if you consider that Otto Jakob is an autodidact. His creations are inspired by history or nature combined with smart engineering. Showing his bracelet ghost crab, Otto explains that already as a child he used all his senses observing the smallest details in nature and museums putting them in his memory.“When I was on holiday in California years ago with my family I found this ghost crab arm and I used it to develop this bracelet.” The bracelet is connected to gimbal joints, and a lock modelled as a crab claw. Xuanas, the design for this year’s Tefaf, are earrings with yellow gold casts of St. John Wort petal’s. “Beside the story behind the jewel, for me, it is essential that the jewel is completely round or as we say in the German language “rundum”. Not only the front of the jewel but also the sides and the back must be elaborated. That is my signature.”Special objectsEguiguren Arte de Hispanoamérica shows a very special collection of antique calabash gourds with a “Bombilla” made of silver. These gourds were used to drink Mate, a traditional drink in some countries in South America, especially in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil. Bernard de Grunne, leading tribal art dealer, shows a magnificent antique chief bell from Kongo at his stand.
Hemmerle
Another striking exhibition stand to mention is the fourth generation family-run jeweller Hemmerle in Munich. The Hemmerle family travel across the world treasure hunting for rare materials from colour changing garnets and melo pearls, to found materials like ancient carved jade and antique cameos.
Each jewel is handcrafted and layered with cultural references; they are as original as a work of art with design aesthetic of powerfully audacious modernity. A single piece takes over 500 hours of work and years can pass waiting to find the perfect coloured stones to complete a piece.
——-
Main picture: a Kongo Chief bell from Democratic Republic of Congo. Kongo, bell, 639. Alissa LaGamma et alli, Power and Majesty the Art of the Kongo Masters, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York,
Strozzi Female Choir presents LLiBRE VERMELL de Montserrat
A journey through the magic world of the everyday religious life of the common people in the Middle Ages.
There is little music from the 14th century such as the Llibre Vermell de Montserrat which so dramatically brings to life the everyday experience of pilgrims clustered around an open fire or marching cheerfully up the hill to the shrine to the Blessed Virgin.
Montserrat was the second most famous shrine in Spain after Santiago de Compostela and a popular focus for local adoration. This manuscript was written around 1400 and is made up of songs and dances written especially for the pilgrims visiting Montserrat.
To make them appealing to the visitors the music and rhythm of the songs is often based on folk music of the time. It doesn’t take much to imagine the pious revellers enjoying a song and a dance.
The Strozzi Female Choir will perform the Llibre Vermell de Montserrat in collaboration with soprano Mariana Pimenta, and musicians performing on historic instruments.
During the concert musicians and audience will connect through the projection of paintings by Hieronymus Bosch to reflect the spirit of every song and the fantastic world of the everyday religious life of the common people in the Middle Ages.
———-
Wine tasting is available after concert.
Sunday, 2 April 2017 16.00 15.30: door is open
Bleijenburg 3b, The Hague German Protestant Church
Among the group we can seeH.E. Mrs. Rosa Batoréu, Ambassador of Portugal, H.E. Mrs. Sabine Nölke, Ambassador of Canada, Mrs. Reem Mufleh, spouse of the Ambassador of Jordan, Mrs. Tatiana Delvalle spouse of the Ambassador of Panama, Mrs. Mrs. Midori Inomata, spouse of the Ambassador of Japan, Mrs. Maja Christina Steenwijk – Groot, Mr Joao Goncalves, Mrs. Nataliia Tymoshenko, spouse of the Ambassador of Ukraine, H.E. Mr Olexander Horin, Ambassador of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Adam M.J. Sadiq, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Mita Mukul, spouse of the Ambassador of India, Mrs Rusdijana Puja, spouse of the Ambassador of Indonesia, Mrs. Maryam Jahangiri, spouse of the Ambassador of Iran, Mrs. Fabiola Soto, spouse of the Ambassador of Mexico, H.E. Mrs. Martine L.A. van Loon Labouchere, Grand Mistress Honorair of H.M. King Willem Alexander and H.M. Queen Maxima, Mrs. Fanny Elena Arquelas Calle, spouse of the Ambassador of Bolivia, H.E. Konstantine Surguladze, Ambassador of Georgia and spouse Mrs. Nino Rusadze, Mrs. Najat Bellouki, spouse of the Ambassador of Morocco, Mrs. Linda Zin, spouse of the Ambassador of Malaysia, H.E. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran, H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Abdullah Abohaimed, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Mrs. Nadine Farahat, spouse of the Ambassador of Egypt, Mr Roy Lie A Tjam, Diplomat Magazine and Mrs. Helen Keedwel, Shell. By Roy Lie A Tjam.
15 March 2017, a momentous day, when the Dutch people were in suspense about results of the election, a select group of Diplomats, invited by Maja Christina Steenwijk – Groot, went on a trip to what might be the top Diamond polishing enterprises in the Netherlands, Gassan Diamonds.
The visit began with a short introduction by the President and Director, Mr Benno Lesser who warmly welcomed the guests. He then followed on with an explanation of diamonds in general and then a description of the Gassan 121 cut; Gassan 121 cut is an exclusively cut Diamond, patented by Gassan Diamonds. It is a 0,22 carat stone, G colour and S.I. clarity.
For additional pictures by Sheila Turabaz, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157678079322224Mrs. Maja Christina Steenwijk – Groot, Mrs. Reem Mufleh, spouse of the Ambassador of Jordam and Mr Joao Goncalves, Marketing & Sales Manager at Gassan Diamonds.
This was followed by a guided tour that introduced the guests to the process by which diamonds are made, how they are mined and polished, and finally set in jewelry.
The visitors were presented with the new collection of “Gassan Diamonds” and exclusive jewelry, competitively priced and beautifully designed. After the tour, Gassan Dimonds hosted a raffle in which a Gassan 121 cut was on offer. The lucky winner is Mrs. Reem Mufleh spouse of Ambassador of Jordan.The ‘sparkling’ visit was concluded with a champagne drinks reception and buffet lunch.
H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Abdullah Abohaimed, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan.
Antitrust: Commission re-adopts decision and fines air cargo carriers €776 million for price-fixing cartel
Brussels, 17 March 2017- The European Commission has re-adopted a cartel decision against 11 air cargo carriers and imposed a fine totalling € 776 465 000 for operating a price–fixing cartel. The Commission’s original decision was annulled by the General Court on procedural grounds.
Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “Millions of businesses depend on air cargo services, which carry more than 20% of all EU imports and nearly 30% of EU exports. Working together in a cartel rather than competing to offer better services to customers does not fly with the Commission. Today’s decision ensures that companies that were part of the air cargo cartel are sanctioned for their behaviour.”
In November 2010, the Commission imposed fines of nearly €800 million on 11 air cargo carriers who participated in a price-fixing cartel, from December 1999 to February 2006, in the airfreight services market covering flights from, to and within the European Economic Area. The cartel arrangements consisted of numerous contacts between airlines, at both bilateral and multilateral level to fix the level of fuel and security surcharges.
The companies fined in 2010 were Air Canada, Air France-KLM, British Airways, Cargolux, Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan Airlines, LAN Chile, Martinair, Qantas, SAS and Singapore Airlines. A 12th cartel member, Lufthansa, and its subsidiary, Swiss International Air Lines, received full immunity from fines.
All but one of the companies (Qantas) subject to the 2010 decision challenged the decision before the EU’s General Court. In December 2015, the General Court annulled the Commission’s decision against the 11 cartel participants that appealed, concluding that there had been a procedural error. However, it did not rule on the existence of the cartel.
The Commission maintains that these air cargo carriers participated in a price-fixing cartel and is adopting a new decision and re-establishing the fines. This new decision addresses the procedural error identified by the General Court while remaining identical in terms of the anticompetitive behaviours targeted by the Commission. The decision confirms that the Commission will not let cartels go unpunished. Cartels are illegal and cause consumers and business to suffer.
The fines
The fines were set on the basis of the Commission’s 2006 Guidelines on fines (see also MEMO). They were fixed at exactly the same level as in the 2010 Decision for all the companies, except for Martinair. In the 2010 decision, Martinair’s fine had been capped at 10% of the company’s total turnover in 2009. EU rules allow a maximum fine of 10% of the total turnover in the year preceding the adoption of the decision. Martinair’s turnover is significantly lower in 2016 than in 2009. As a result, Martinair’s fine has been lowered to reflect this.
In the 2010 decision, Lufthansa, and its subsidiary Swiss International Air Lines, received full immunity under the Commission’s 2006 Leniency Notice, as it brought the cartel to the Commission’s attention and provided valuable information. Furthermore, the fines for the majority of carriers were also reduced for their cooperation with the Commission under the Leniency Notice.
The individual fines are as follows:
Fine (€)*
Reduction under the Leniency Notice
Air Canada
21 037 500
15%
Air France
182 920 000
20%
KLM
127 160 000
20%
Martinair
15 400 000
50%
British Airways
104 040 000
10%
Cargolux
79 900 000
15%
Cathay Pacific Airways
57 120 000
20%
Japan Airlines
35 700 000
25%
LAN Chile
8 220 000
20%
SAS
70 167 500
15%
Singapore Airlines
74 800 000
Lufthansa
0
100%
Swiss International Air Lines
0
100%
(*) Legal entities within the undertaking may be held jointly and severally liable for the whole or part of the fine imposed.
The master of ceremony Ms Joelle Mpinganzima, welcomed everyone at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague and thanked the Embassy of Rwanda for continued collaboration in organization of the International Women’s Day. She moderated the program that started with a panel discussion led by Ms Joy Uwanziga and Mr Robert Kayinamura about women empowerment and culture.
The key message by Mrs Christine Safari, representative of the Rwanda Women Diaspora, was about the essential role of gender equality in attaining women empowerment. The event, that also included several dance performances by the Inganzo Cultural Troop and a colorful fashion show, further highlighted the importance of equal representation of women at all levels of government and the integration of gender issues in all aspects of development.
The guest of honor was Mrs Leontine Van Hooft, CEO of GreenDreamCompany & Ubuntu Impact Investments in the Netherlands. She is the director and co-founder/owner of GreenDreamCompany and Ubuntu Impact Investments. Both firms work closely together and in partnerships on the development of creative leisure, hospitality and tourism industry, in upcoming markets like Rwanda. Mrs Van Hooft said in her speech that it’s still crucial to women to get connected worldwide through internet, global society and women’s networks. She said that each individual can and should make a difference and quoted an African proverb: “If you think you are to small to make a difference, you have not spent the night with a mosquito!”
H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga, thanked all guests who attended the celebration and reminded that Rwanda has done enormous progress in all sectors for last 22 years from scratch, under the exceptional leadership of President Paul Kagame. Specifically, in the journey to gender equality and women’s empowerment, a lot has been done and great progress has been registered making Rwanda one the best performers worldwide.
“This year Rwanda celebrated this day for the 42nd time with the theme: ‘preserving the dignity regained’. For Rwandans in general and for Rwandan women in particular we have good reasons to celebrate this day, considering tremendous achievements and progress we did in struggling for gender equality and women’s empowerment”, said the Ambassador.
Women empowerment in Rwanda
In Rwanda women make up 52 per cent of its population; the country was ranked 6th worldwide in the World Economic Gender Gap Report 2015, up from 7th position in 2014. The report ranks 145 countries on their ability to close the gender gap in four fundamental areas: economic participation and opportunity, education, health and survival, and political empowerment. However, despite an impressive record on gender equality, challenges still prevail.
——
Photography by the Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague. 
“When I was on holiday in California years ago with my family I found this ghost crab arm and I used it to develop this bracelet.” The bracelet is connected to gimbal joints, and a lock modelled as a crab claw. Xuanas, the design for this year’s Tefaf, are earrings with yellow gold casts of St. John Wort petal’s. “Beside the story behind the jewel, for me, it is essential that the jewel is completely round or as we say in the German language “rundum”. Not only the front of the jewel but also the sides and the back must be elaborated. That is my signature.”
Special objects
Eguiguren Arte de Hispanoamérica shows a very special collection of antique calabash gourds with a “Bombilla” made of silver. These gourds were used to drink Mate, a traditional drink in some countries in South America, especially in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil. Bernard de Grunne, leading tribal art dealer, shows a magnificent antique chief bell from Kongo at his stand.
Hemmerle
Another striking exhibition stand to mention is the fourth generation family-run jeweller Hemmerle in Munich. The Hemmerle family travel across the world treasure hunting for rare materials from colour changing garnets and melo pearls, to found materials like ancient carved jade and antique cameos.
Each jewel is handcrafted and layered with cultural references; they are as original as a work of art with design aesthetic of powerfully audacious modernity. A single piece takes over 500 hours of work and years can pass waiting to find the perfect coloured stones to complete a piece.
——-
Main picture: a Kongo Chief bell from Democratic Republic of Congo. Kongo, bell, 639. Alissa LaGamma et alli, Power and Majesty the Art of the Kongo Masters, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 
Montserrat was the second most famous shrine in Spain after Santiago de Compostela and a popular focus for local adoration. This manuscript was written around 1400 and is made up of songs and dances written especially for the pilgrims visiting Montserrat.
To make them appealing to the visitors the music and rhythm of the songs is often based on folk music of the time. It doesn’t take much to imagine the pious revellers enjoying a song and a dance.
The Strozzi Female Choir will perform the Llibre Vermell de Montserrat in collaboration with soprano Mariana Pimenta, and musicians performing on historic instruments.
During the concert musicians and audience will connect through the projection of paintings by Hieronymus Bosch to reflect the spirit of every song and the fantastic world of the everyday religious life of the common people in the Middle Ages.
———-
Wine tasting is available after concert.
Sunday, 2 April 2017 16.00 15.30: door is open
Bleijenburg 3b, The Hague German Protestant Church 
