Baritone Thomas Oliemans moves effortlessly between worlds. He performs on the stages of the world’s leading opera houses, sings classical repertoire, and with equal dedication brings the chansons of Aznavour and Stromae, as well as the unforgettable repertoire of Harry Bannink and Jacques Brel, whom he describes as his “first loves.”

Together with top pianists Cor Bakker and Bert van den Brink, he takes the audience on a journey in Van Brel tot Bennett, featuring iconic repertoire by performers such as Jacques Brel, Yves Montand, Ramses Shaffy, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole. Pieces like La chanson des vieux amants, Fly Me to the Moon, Windmills of Your Mind, La vie en rose and De trein naar het noorden are given a fresh and personal interpretation.

With two pianos, Bakker and Van den Brink create a rich and varied soundscape, ranging from expansive and symphonic to intimate, reminiscent of a jazz combo. The result is a performance defined by contrast, nuance and musical refinement, in which stories of love, longing and melancholy are brought to life.