Proud (Grutsk)

This impressive work was composed for the Dutch-Friesian city of Leeuwarden, which was considered the ‘cultural capital’ of Europe, 2018; the composer spent his college years in this city. This festive work for bagpipes, drums and fanfare band is based on the melody of the anthem of the province of Friesland. Proud was written for the music event, Grutsk, which is the Friesian word for proud – hence the title.

Various bands have performed on five different stages across the town centre. The finale was performed in a concert held at Wilhelminaplein (Wilhelmina Square), which opened with this work. This world premiere was conducted by the composer himself. The bagpipes areoptional, but advisable. As a whole, they give the composition a very special sound.