Despite graduating in classical piano in 1972, Frans Ehlhart chose a career in jazz, pop and theater music. He has built an excellent reputation as a pianist, arranger and composer and has collaborated with many prominent theater personalities and lyricists such as Wim Sonneveld, Toon Hermans, Willem Nijholt, Adèle Bloemendaal, Willem Wilmink and Hans Dorrestijn. When Ehlhart created a song cycle
… based on poignant poems by the South African poet and writer Ingrid Jonker (1933-1965), he wanted Charlotte Margiono to interpret them. This famous opera singer, who, after many opera productions, has focused more on concerts and song cycles since 2008, decided after some hesitation. The result can be heard on the album Hierdie Reis. Accompanied by beautiful piano playing by Ehlhart, Margiono sings full of musicality and conviction in South African about Jonker's restless quest for security, memories of love and about fear of abandonment. The cycle is a worthy tribute to the special poet who belonged to the rebellious group Sestigers and who ended her tragic and eventful life at the age of 33. (SvdP)more
