B’ROCK - PRESS QUOTES
'The interplay between Purcell's unquestionably sublime music (handled perfectly by Frank Agsteribbe and his ensemble B'Rock), the humble, 'pure', compassionate direction of Decorte and the childish hints of of Sigrid Vinks are very moving'
The Indian Queen, with B'Rock - De Morgen, 2011 *
'A spirited contribution of B'Rock. (...) From behind the harpsichord, conductor Frank Agsteribbe had ear for the musical demarche within Purcell's complex harmonies.'
The Indian Queen, with B'Rock - De Standaard, 2011
"B’Rock, as always one of our most active baroque ensembles, rarely is in need of creative ideas."
Peter Vandeweerdt, KNACK, 14 April 2010
‘B’Rock, as always one of our most active baroque ensembles, rarely is in need of creative ideas."
Peter Vandeweerdt, KNACK, 14 April 2010
"Within a few years’ time B'Rock has developed into the baroque orchestra that takes up most unusual challenges in deSingel. From an opera by Vivaldi in an experimental production to a cult work of John Cage in collaboration with a plastic artist. This enterprising curiosity becomes this young ensemble. B'Rock is a typical example of a process partner for our arts campus. Hip, hop, up to the next five years!"
Jerry Aerts, Director deSingel Antwerp, March 2010
"The orchestra impresses and is entertaining by its his spicy, sophisticated and expressive style of playing"
Greet Van 't Veld, KNACK, 14 February 2010
B'Rock’s zesty performances illustrate that Handel's orchestral repertoire has plenty to offer beyond the usual suspects."
David Vickers, Gramophone, December 2009
"B'Rock’s zesty performances illustrate that Handel's orchestral repertoire has plenty to offer beyond the usual suspects."
Handel CD - David Vickers, Gramophone, December 2009
"Behind the bold name real serious music making is hidden."
Handel CD - Martin Grunenberg, HR2-kultur, 08 July 2009
"Their Handel sounds anything but academic or dour (...) but is performed in a lusty and differentiated way - in its full palette of colours and moods that swing between despair and exuberance."
Handel CD - Fridemann Leipold, Bayerischer Rundfunk, 30 June 2009
"This was clearly one of the best concerts of this festival edition."
Early Music Festival, Innsbruck - René Jacobs, De Standaard, 09 March 2009
"… they are a fabulous string band (…) I look forward to hearing much more from them."
BC, Early Music Review, 28 December 2008
"The orchestra (...) played keenly, with great musical intelligence!”
Diederik Verstraete, De Standaard, 24 November 2008
B'Rock has some of the finest continuo players from the Belgian early music scene. The combination of the great deep, warm violone of Tom Devaere with the inexhaustible musical fantasy of harpsichordist Frank Agsteribbe and the contagious enthusiasm of lutenist Wim Maeseele produces outstanding firework of music.
Diederik Verstraete, De Standaard, 02 November 2008
"B'Rock is one of the few early music ensembles of the moment that manage splendidly to embody the pioneering spirit of yesteryear in a new and contemporary way."
Festival de Música Antigua Barcelona - Jan Van den Bossche, Artistic Director
"Very special is their mission to create a new repertoire for their instruments, not only by digging up the unknown but also by making contemporary composers draw new sounds from old instruments. No challenge is too much for B'Rock!"
Concertgebouw Brugge - Jeroen Vanacker, Artistic Director
"In the baroque world B'rock is one of the most vibrant and energetic ensembles in Europe. Their projects demonstrate a clear vision and a refreshing look at early(er) music. They are breaking boundaries and appeal to new audiences. It is imperative to guarantee a future for all this cultural historical beauty! "
Rotterdam Opera Days - Guy Coolen, Director