15 December 2024

End-of-Year Reflection

Dear friends,
As 2024 draws to a close, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on some highlights from the past twelve months. September marked a special milestone with the publication of the first book entirely dedicated to my work. Just two weeks ago my latest work, the VR opera installation From Dust, premiered at the Immersive Tech Week in De Doelen Rotterdam. I’m grateful by the sold-out showing and the wonderful reception. De Volkskrant noted in their four-star review: “The sound, script and visual experience form an enchanting cohesion….The script is full of poetic imagination and philosophical themes. Van der Aa’s ghostly melodies still buzz in your head 24 hours later.”

Earlier in the year, The Book of Water received its German premiere at the Kölner Philharmonie in March, featuring Samuel West alongside a string quartet from Ensemble Modern, with Timothy West and Mary Bevan appearing on film. The year also brought exciting performances of my work in major venues: the New York Philharmonic under Kwamé Ryan performed “Mask,” while London Sinfonietta presented the UK premiere of “Shades of Red” at the London Southbank Centre.

Looking ahead, 2025 will see the world premieres of two projects and the revival of “From Dust” on national and international stages.

Now, on to my 2024 recommendations:

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