7 September 2008
Rapport

Paul Boekkooi
Michelle Veenemans – Bravura!

Leonore, Barbara and now Michelle. We know that the Veenemans-women can sing. Michelle, the youngest in the Veenemans-lineage, has an unusual voice that in a positive sense can be described as a “freak”.

As coloratura soprano she fears nothing – that is why she undertakes two Mozart arias where few would dare to go, namely K316 and K418. Technically they break all safe norms and Michelle excels in these challenges. Her voice does not only have the ability, but also the bravado and dramatic power that are required.

Tenors boast with their high Cs. This soprano reaches an A-flat above that C. After the Mozart, the programme becomes “tamer”, but she does not let it sound as such. She lives dangerously, but delivers the musical goods. It is hard work to listen to such a soprano, but she lets your mouth willingly hang open.

(Newspaper review: Translation from Afrikaans to English)