Dutch classical pianist, Joep Beving was last in Adelaide four years ago, just as the pandemic hit. Last time he was finishing a tour, so it makes sense that he starts it all back here again.
As the lights dim, the music begins, almost to quiet to hear. The audience silences and is captivated by the ethereal sounds of the upright piano. The lights are dim, the stage cloudy with haze and a light begins to revolve, casting shadows across the stage and audience. The first three songs are played without fanfare or applause, before Beving turns to the audience to greet and chat. He explains that the time between shows has not been too great, with the pandemic and the loss of his friend and manager Mark to cancer. He dedicated a song to him “For Mark” which captures the essence of the beauty of life and the magnitude of knowing that you are dying.
Many of his songs came from the latest album, the fourth solo album that he has released Hermetism. The album exploers ancient philosophy as well as paying tribute to the city of Paris.
The songs flowed in a meditative way, with the minimal light setup growing and dancing in time with the music. As an antidote to a cold an rainy night, it was a beautiful way to spend almost two hours.
For the final three songs, serving as an encore, he started with the song “Sleeping Lotus”, which derived from watching his daughter Lotus sleeping through the open bedroom door. It is also a beautiful celebration of life. Rousing applause and a partial standing ovation closed the set as he gratefully acknowledged the audience.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Check out the full Illuminate Adelaide program here
Joep Beving is also touring Australia – check the details here
