2025

Schackenborg
Musikfest

August 8-10

ARTISTS

ARTISTS 2025

Van Kuijk Quartet:
Nicolas Van Kuijk, violin (France)
Sylvain Favre-Bulle, violin (France)
Emmanuel François, viola (France)
Anthony Kondo, cello (France)

Suyeon Kang, violin (South Korea/Australia)
Christina Herrestahl, mezzo-soprano (Sweden/Norway)
Bjarke Mogensen, accordion (denmark)
Alva Holm, violin (Denmark)
David Munk-Nielsen, piano (Denmark)

THE DANISH CLARINET TRIO:
Tommaso Lonquich, clarinet (Italy)
Jonathan Slaatto, cello (Denmark/Germany)
Martin Qvist Hansen, piano (Denmark)

CONCERTS 2025

Friday, August 8th

19:30 @ Schackenborg Castle

Schackenborg 1, Møgeltønder

'3+4'

Van Kuijk Quartet:

Nicolas Van Kuijk, violin
Sylvain Favre-Bulle, violin
Emmanuel François, viola
Anthony Kondo, cello

The Danish Clarinet Trio:

Tommaso Lonquich, clarinet

Jonathan Slaatto, cello

Martin Qvist Hansen, piano

Emil Hartmann, Romance from Serenade Op. 24 for clarinet, cello and piano
Anton Arensky, String Quartet no. 2 in a minor, Opus 35, for violin, viola and two cellos
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Ludwig van Beethoven, String Quartet No. 8 in E minor, Op. 59, No. 2

Discover a compelling evening of chamber music in the opening concert of the 2025 Musikfest, where the Van Kuijk Quartet and The Danish Clarinet Trio unite to explore rich musical landscapes spanning Romantic lyricism, Russian melancholy, and Beethovenian drama.

The program opens with a rarely performed gem by Danish Romantic composer Emil Hartmann, whose Romance unfolds with melodic charm and expressive warmth, showcasing Hartmann's gift for chamber textures.
Arensky’s unconventional quartet—scored for violin, viola, and two cellos—is a heartfelt tribute to his mentor Tchaikovsky. The second movement, a set of variations on a Russian Orthodox chant, weaves a tapestry of moods, from solemn introspection to spirited scherzo-like passages. Critics have praised its “wonderful sincerity and clarity,” noting how it balances songful soul with structural finesse.
After the break, one of Beethoven's masterpieces and a cornerstone of his middle period. The Quartet op.59 no.2 is marked by dramatic intensity and structural innovation. The first movement’s terse opening leads into a deeply contemplative Adagio, described as “one of Beethoven’s great slow movements,” with a noble chorale-like progression that evokes the stately dance of the constellations.

Van Kuijk Quartet

Founded in 2011 at the Paris Conservatoire, the Van Kuijk Quartet has quickly risen to prominence in the chamber music world. Their accolades include first prize at the 2013 Trondheim International String Quartet Competition and the prestigious Grand Prize at the 2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition. The quartet is renowned for their precision and emotive performances. As noted by The Strad, their rendition of Mendelssohn's quartets showcases "passion and virtuosity in abundance," highlighting their ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes with finesse.

"All four players contribute to the extensive colour palette, precise blending and, where apt, the sense of fun that makes these well-judged, serious performances so vivid".

The Guardian

Saturday, August 9th
10:30 @ Møgeltønder Church
Sønderbyvej 2, Møgeltønder

'INTERWOVEN'

Christina Herrestahl, mezzo-soprano
Bjarke Mogensen, accordion
Suyeon Kang, violin
Jonathan Slaatto, cello

Hildegard von Bingen, O frondens virga for solo mezzo-soprano
Martin Lohse, From Mountain of Frigiliana: Tidens Lag og Cikaderne Larmer for mezzo-soprano and accordion
Germaine Taileferre, Sonata alla Scarlatti for solo accordion
Birgitta Birgersdotter, Iam Iaetaris for solo mezzo-soprano
Anna Thorvaldsdottir, For it will never return for mezzo soprano and accordion
Domenico Scarlatti, Sonata 384 in C major: Cantabile and Sonata 141 in D minor: Allegro for solo accordion
Per Nørgård, Jag lyssnar till vinden (digt af Pär Lagerkvist) for mezzo-soprano and cello
Nicola Matteis, Fantasia in A minor for solo violin
Anna Linh Nguyen Berg, Evigt (digt af Pär Lagerkvist) for mezzo-soprano, cello and accordion
Harald Herresthal, Ingen er lenger alene på jorden for mezzo-soprano and accordion
Isabella Leonarda, 12 Sonatas (selection) for violin and cello
Georg Friedrich Händel, From Serse: Ombra mai fu for mezzo-soprano and accordion
Trad., Tusen tankar/Folkestadsvisa for mezzo-soprano and accordion
Barbara Strozzi, L’Astratto for mezzo-soprano and accordion

In the historic setting of Møgeltønder Church, the architectural elements from the Middle Ages and Baroque era are accompanied by a repertoire spanning the same periods up to our own time.
Mezzo-soprano Christina Herresthal, accordionist Bjarke Mogensen, cellist Jonathan Slaatto, and violinist Suyeon Kang invite you to a concert of music and poetry that weaves us together across borders, nationalities, and centuries, through the human search for connection and meaning.

Christina Herresthal
Swedish-Norwegian mezzo-soprano Christina Herresthal is a rising star in the Nordic music scene. A recipient of the Léonie Sonning Talent Prize, she studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and the Norwegian Academy of Music. Herresthal's artistry is deeply rooted in chamber music, baroque repertoire, and contemporary opera. She has been praised for her "dark timbre" that complements both baroque works and chamber ensemble textures.

Bjarke Mogensen
Danish accordionist Bjarke Mogensen is internationally acclaimed for his virtuosity and innovative approach to the accordion. Born in 1985 on the island of Bornholm, he made his solo debut at 13 with the Munich Symphony Orchestra. Mogensen has expanded the accordion repertoire by commissioning new works and exploring the instrument's possibilities. He is described as "an astonishment on record. Once heard, never forgotten".

Suyeon Kang
Korean-Australian violinist Suyeon Kang has established herself as a distinguished chamber musician and soloist. A winner of numerous international competitions, including the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Kang's playing has been lauded for its "intimacy, tension, inspiration and soul in every note". In 2022, she joined the renowned Belcea Quartet and is also a co-founder of the Berlin-based Boccherini Trio.

Saturday, August 9th
14:30 @ Schackenborg Castle
Schackenborg 1, Møgeltønder

RISING STARS:

'PARIS-VIENNA EXPRESS'

Alva Holm, violin
David Munk-Nielsen, piano
Martin Qvist Hansen, piano

Claude Debussy, Estampes for solo piano
Claude Debussy, Sonata for violin and piano
Claude Debussy, Petite Suite for piano four hands
Johannes Brahms, Sonata for violin and piano no. 3 in d minor, op. 108

Embark on a musical journey that traverses the evocative landscapes of French impressionism and the profound depths of German romanticism, brought to life by rising stars Alva Holm and David Munk-Nielsen together with artistic director Martin Qvist Hansen.

Debussy's Estampes invites listeners into a world of vivid imagery and delicate textures. "Pagodes" captures the essence of Javanese gamelan music with its pentatonic scales and bell-like tones, while "La soirée dans Grenade" evokes the sultry atmosphere of a Spanish evening through its habanera rhythms. "Jardins sous la pluie" concludes the set with a depiction of a garden during a rainstorm, characterized by rapid arpeggios and dynamic contrasts.

The program continues with Debussy's final completed work, the Violin Sonata. A testament to the composer's mature style, it blends lyrical melodies with harmonic innovation, creating a dialogue between the violin and piano that is both intimate and expressive. The piece reflects a sense of nostalgia and introspection, offering performers a canvas for nuanced interpretation.
The Petite Suite is a charming collection of four movements that showcase Debussy's lighter, more playful side. From the graceful "En bateau" to the spirited "Ballet," the suite captures a range of moods and marks the first time that a two pianists have joined forces at the festival.
Brahms' third violin sonata stands as a pinnacle of the chamber music repertoire. The work is characterized by passionate intensity and structural complexity. The first movement's dramatic themes set the stage for the lyrical second movement and the scherzo-like third. The finale brings the sonata to a powerful conclusion, demanding both technical prowess and emotional depth from the performers.

Alva Holm
Born in 2000, Danish violinist Alva Holm has quickly established herself as a formidable talent in the classical music scene. She made her debut at 16 with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, performing Nielsen’s Violin Concerto, and has since garnered accolades including Sweden’s Polstjärnepriset and Denmark’s Solistpriset. Critics have lauded her performances as “expressive and full of temperament".

David Munk-Nielsen
Born in 1998 in Copenhagen, pianist David Munk-Nielsen has been recognized as one of the leading young concert pianists in the Nordic countries. He has achieved top prizes in international competitions, including first prizes at the Tallinn International Piano Competition and the Tampere Piano Competition. His interpretation of Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto was praised by Helsingin Sanomat for its “spot-on emotional expression, smooth technique, sense of tone, airiness and robustness.”

Saturday, August 9th

19:30 @ Schackenborg Castle

Schackenborg 1, Møgeltønder

'MINIATURE and MASTERPIECES'

Van Kuijk Quartet:

Nicolas Van Kuijk, violin
Sylvain Favre-Bulle, violin
Emmanuel François, viola
Anthony Kondo, cello

The Danish Clarinet Trio:

Tommaso Lonquich, clarinet

Jonathan Slaatto, cello

Martin Qvist Hansen, piano

Hilda Sehested, Three Fantasy Pieces for Cello and Piano
W.A. Mozart, Clarinet Quintet in A major, K.581
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Robert Schumann, Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44

The Van Kuijk Quartet and The Danish Clarinet Trio unite to unveil a rarely heard danish gem and celebrate two beloved masterpieces.
Structured in a loose Lied form, Sehested's Three Fantasy Pieces pieces exude a robust charm, reflecting her unique voice in the Romantic tradition. Though still not widely known, her work is now being rediscovered.
Mozart's Clarinet Quintet, composed in 1789, is a cornerstone of the chamber repertoire. The work is celebrated for its refined interplay between the clarinet and strings, particularly in the sublime Larghetto movement, where muted violins and a lyrical clarinet line create an atmosphere of serene beauty.
The journey concludes in grand style with Schumann’s passionate and sweeping Piano Quintet, a true masterpiece of the Romantic era combining the intimacy of chamber music with the dynamism of symphonic writing. The 1842 work still charms audiences the world over with its vibrant energy and intricate dialogues.

Sunday, August 10th
14:00 @ Schackenborg Castle
Schackenborg 1, Møgeltønder

'FOLK DANCES, FOLK SONGS'

Suyeon Kang, violin
Tommaso Lonquich, clarinet
Jonathan Slaatto, cello
Martin Qvist Hansen, piano

Zoltan Kodaly, Duo for Violin and Cello, Op.7
Darius Milhaud, Suite for Violin, Clarinet, and Piano, Opus 157b
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Antonin Dvorak, "Dumky" Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90

For the 2025 closing concert, you will experience a vibrant tapestry of folk-inspired chamber music featuring violinist Suyeon Kang, clarinetist Tommaso Lonquich, cellist Jonathan Slaatto, and pianist Martin Qvist Hansen. This program delves into the rich interplay between classical form and folk tradition, offering a journey through Hungarian, French, and Czech musical landscapes.
Composed in 1914, Kodály's Duo is a masterful integration of Hungarian folk melodies within a classical framework. The piece is noted for its expressive depth and intensity, elevating the duo form from a light diversion to a dramatic, serious work of art.
Milhaud's 1936 Suite, originally incidental music for Jean Anouilh's play Le Voyageur sans bagage, is characterized by its lively rhythms and contrasting moods. The Suite's four movements range from the sassy, ironic Overture to the gracious reverie of the Divertissement, showcasing Milhaud's ability to blend wit with lyricism.
Dvořák's "Dumky" Trio stands out for its unconventional structure, comprising six movements that alternate between melancholy introspection and spirited dance. The piece is a much-loved and hugely ambitious work, with the second movement particularly memorable for its richly sonorous opening leading to a magical, music-box presentation of the famous rustic dance theme.

CONCERTS

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Special offer in collaboration with Løgumkloster Refugium

This very special offer includes:

- accommodation and breakfast at Løgumkloster Refugiet

- a pass for the whole festival (five concerts)

- the opportunity to participate in morning and evening singing in the atmospheric settings of Løgumkloster Church and the Chapter Hall.

More info

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Schackenborg Musikfest is a world-class chamber music festival taking place in the border-country between Denmark and Germany, on the grounds of beautiful Schackenborg Castle and in Møgeltønder.

Praised by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung for the high energy, artistic quality and risk-taking of its "Viking-spirited" artistic direction, the festival's ambition is to bring together Denmark's, Germany's and Europe's finest artists.

Launched in 2021, the festival has already been attended by thousands of audience members who have experienced more than 40 distinguished guests incl. Christian Tetzlaff, Nicolas Altstaedt, Alexander Lonquich, Mojca Erdmann, Anneleen Lenaerts, Lea Desandre, Thomas Dunford and the Vertavo Quartet, among others.

The 2025 edition will feature 5 concerts, 25 composers and 12 artists, including the fabuluous Van Kuijk Quartet, who will visit us from Paris for two concerts of classical and romantic masterpieces. Inspiring Korean-Australian violinist Suyeon Kang from the Belcea Quartet will also be gracing our stages. Swedish-Norwegian mezzo-soprano Christina Herresthal, a recipient of the Léonie Sonning Talent Prize will form a duo with the outstanding Danish accordionist Bjarke Mogensen.
Our artistic directors, the members of the Danish Clarinet Trio, will be joining other guests in all five concerts.

The development of exceptional young talent is a priority for the Danish Clarinet Trio: the Musikfest promotes the most vibrant Danish/German/Nordic talents through its "Rising Stars" program, which creates collaborations with established artists. Past "Rising Stars" include Jonathan Swensen, Michael Germer, Gustav Piekut, Anna Agafia, Jonas Frølund, Trio Orelon and the NOVO Quartet.

The 2025 edition will feature violinist Alva Holm and pianist David Munk-Nielsen.

Alva Holm
Born in 2000, Danish violinist Alva Holm has quickly established herself as a formidable talent in the classical music scene. She made her debut at 16 with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, performing Nielsen’s Violin Concerto, and has since garnered accolades including Sweden’s Polstjärnepriset and Denmark’s Solistpriset. Critics have lauded her performances as “expressive and full of temperament".

David Munk-Nielsen
Born in 1998 in Copenhagen, pianist David Munk-Nielsen has been recognized as one of the leading young concert pianists in the Nordic countries. He has achieved top prizes in international competitions, including first prizes at the Tallinn International Piano Competition and the Tampere Piano Competition. His interpretation of Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto was praised by Helsingin Sanomat for its “spot-on emotional expression, smooth technique, sense of tone, airiness and robustness.”

Concerts take place in three venues:

1) the castle's elegant Entrance Hall, where a long and exciting history comes to life;

2) Møgeltønder Church, one of Denmark's most beautiful, offering a perfect acoustic and the country's oldest organ;

3) the peaceful Castle park, a magical outdoor venue in summer evenings (not in the 2025 edition).

The festival was founded by artistic directors Martin Qvist Hansen, Tommaso Lonquich and Jonathan Slaatto, members of The Danish Clarinet Trio. It is run in collaboration with consultant Per Erik Veng (former orchestra and choir director in DR) and the management of the Schackenborg Foundation.

ART & MUSIC OVERCOME BOUNDARIES

In 2022, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Sœnderjylland-Schleswig cooperation, the Musikfest began a cooperation with the association KUNST FÜR ANGELN in Schleswig-Holstein, thanks to financial support from Interreg Germany-Danmark and the European Union.

A new program was born: ART & MUSIC OVERCOME BOUNDARIES is a "cultural bridge" which will combine exhibitions of contemporary artworks by artists from Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein with music performances: on the Danish/Sønderjylland side, at Schackenborg Castle; on the Schleswig-Holstein/Angelland side, in the Asmus-Petersen barn at WITTKIELHOF.

The collaboration kicked off in 2023 with two cross-border projects:

1) At MØGELTØNDER SCHACKENBORG CASTLE: exhibition of a part of the art collection ROOSEN-TRINKS presented by the non-profit association KUNST FÜR ANGELN at Schackenborg Musikfest in the castle during Schackenborg Musikfest 2023. The exhibition was freely open to public.

2) At WITTKIELHOF/ SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN:
Saturday, October 7 and Sunday October 8, 2023: performances/program by Schackenborg Musikfest, The Danish Clarinet Trio & Kunst für Angeln e.V. at Wittkielhof

We look forward to resume the collaboration in 2026!

Read more at: https://www.kunstfuerangeln.de/

THE DANISH CLARINET TRIO
Artistic Leadership

Tommaso Lonquich – Clarinet
Jonathan Slaatto – Cello
Martin Qvist Hansen - Piano

The Danish Clarinet Trio was established in 2016 by three leading chamber musicians in Scandinavia, all members of world-renowned Ensemble MidtVest. The New York Times has praised their ‘undercurrents of urgency’ and ‘brilliant effects’.

The Trio has recorded for the Danish label Dacapo and has appeared on tours in Canada, Italy, Germany, Iceland, Brazil, the USA, the UK and throughout Scandinavia.

Between them, the Danish Clarinet Trio’s members are laureates of the ARD Competition in Munich, artists of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the prestigious BBC New Generation Artists scheme.

The ensemble has appeared on BBC, DR, ARD and on most other European radios. With Ensemble MidtVest it has recorded for the German label CPO.

In 2018, the trio was invited to reside at the BBC’s Belfast International Arts Festival as Ensemble-in-Residence.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung has praised the leadership of the Trio at Schackenborg, highlighting the Directors' daring energy as organizers and their depth and top quality on the concert stage.