Dutch National Opera Forward Festival 2023 Review: Perle Noire, Meditations For Joséphine
“[…] The music itself was thoroughly engaging: often it was disturbing, sometimes you could feel the anger and defiance; at other times it pounded out strong rhythms as with the Danse Sauvage, it rarely settled into a comfortable melody, and it was always honest and true to the raw emotions it was endeavoring to present. There were no tearful tunes or sentimental melodies to pull on the heartstrings. It was deliberately unsettling.
Watching Sorey himself perform was a real pleasure, as he moved regularly between the drums and piano, exuding a calm energy and relaxed confidence. His solos, particularly on the drums, did not, however, lack energy; far from it, but the overall impression was one of level-headed composure. He played with a great sense of freedom and imagination, including using mallets on the piano strings.
The International Contemporary Ensemble was no less impressive. The musicians produced a totally committed performance, in which you could see them enjoying each other’s improvised solos. Occasionally, a soloist would accompany Bullock in the center of the stage in an act of support or sympathy, which was a convincing and neatly conceived touch.”
—Alan Nielson