Marlene Verwey
Born and raised on a farm in the rugged North West province of South Africa, Marlene Verwey is no ordinary flutist. Her recent winning of the highly prestigious Sir James Galway Rising Star of 2012 highlights Verwey’s remarkable rise to success.
Documenting her already shining career, it is amazing to look back upon Verwey’s rather humble beginnings in comparison to her present status. Growing up on the farm, Verwey quickly took to her instrument.
Her talents soon led her across the globe, studying under such figures as the former principal Flutist of the New York Philharmonic, Jeanne Baxtresser, and international soloist Raffaele Trevisani, as well as working alongside musicians from the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the Royal Opera at Covent Garden and the British Youth Opera.
Subsequently, Verwey received numerous honours for her talents, most notably obtaining an Artist Diploma, the highest performance qualification awarded at the Royal College of Music.
Other awards Verwey has been handed also include becoming a prize winner at the International de Lorenzo flute competition and being crowned overall winner in the 2004 SAMRO International scholarship competition.
A Flute Affair is the debut album from this supremely talented flutist. The album, which combines music ranging from classical masters such as Handel and Mozart, to contemporary compositions from Sigmund Romberg and Coenie de Villiers, truly offers something for all listeners.
Beginning with the beautiful and dreamy ‘Karoonag’, inspired by the tranquillity of a night in the Karoo desert, A Flute Affair takes the listener on an amazing journey. The collection of pieces flow seamlessly between the more upbeat (Carmen’s ‘Fantaisie Brilliante’ and Taffanel’s ’ Grande Fantaisie’) to the peaceful (‘Tango Adios Nonino’), whilst continuously displaying the technical brilliance and musical maturity of a hugely gifted soloist.
The album also features a number of original arrangements containing combinations of flute and backing instruments never before heard.
Verwey is accompanied by many brilliant musicians in these pieces, including Charl du Plessis, guest pianist on ‘Karoonag’, and both Carel Henn (cello) and Evert van Niekerk (violin) on the incredible ‘Tango Adios Nonino’, amongst many others.
A Flute Affair is the perfect homage from Verwey, combining her dedicated tuition, many musical experiences and varied influences in this dazzling work.