HÉROINES

‘Héroines’ is a tribute to three French heroines. The composers Paule Maurice (1910-1967), Jeanine Rueff (1922-1999) and Lucie Robert (1936-2019) have all been described as exceptionally talented. However, none have won wide acclaim among the general public. 

This is just one of the many similarities between the three women. All three attended the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique (CNSM) in Paris. They even studied with the same professors: Henri Büsser and Tony Aubin for composition, Jean Gallon for harmony and Noël Gallon for ear training and counterpoint. After graduation they became professors themselves at the CNSM. Paule Maurice taught ‘déchiffrage’ (sight reading), Jeanine Rueff taught ear training and harmony and Lucie Robert taught harmony, music theory and piano. 

ANNELIES VRIESWIJK
In 2006 I obtained my Bachelor of Music cum laude at the Prince Claus Conservatoire with Peter Stam. I then continued studying with Arno Bornkamp at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where I completed my Master of Music cum laude in 2008. During my master’s studies, I almost immediately met Mark Toxopeus and we have played together ever since, initially as the Vrieswijk-Toxopeus Duo, but after our graduation as the Rodion Trio, together with clarinettist Diederik Ornée. The Rodion Trio has won competitions including the Almere Chamber Music Festival and has released two CDs. In addition, between 2008 and 2020 I was tenor saxophonist of the Syrène Saxophone Quartet, which also released two CDs and has appeared in many international tours. 

As a freelance musician I have played with many outstanding Dutch ensembles and orchestras, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Radio Filharmonisch Orkest, the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, the North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra and Asko|Schönberg. I also performed as a soloist with the Asko|Schönberg. I again took up studies in 2017, this time of the historical bassoon with Benny Aghassi. In the future I also hope to be active in historical performance practice. 

Mark Toxopeus began his education at the Arnhem Conservatory with Frank Peters. From 2002, he studied with David Kuyken at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where he obtained his Master of Music cum laude in 2008. In addition to his chamber music activities, Mark is also active as a vocal accompanist and repetiteur, for example with the National Choirs, the National Youth Orchestra and the Netherlands Radio Choir.