Centenary 2019 is a three-movement suite based on a local folksong and was commissioned by Chr. Fanfare De Lofstem, from the Dutch province of Friesland, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary in 2019. ?Awakening Village?, the first movement, musically describes the waking up and coming to life of the village. ?Bintje Monument? was inspired by a famous sculpture that was placed to honour headmaster Kornelis Lieuwes de Vries (1854-1929) who developed the well-known potato variety called ?bintje?. The finale, ?Journey into the Unknown? refers to the band?s memorable 2011 concert trip to the United States of America, in which the composer combines elements of the folksong and fragments from ?The Star-Spangled Banner?. The piece consists of a wide range of playful and melodic sequences as well as some galvanizing rhythmical passages.

In English-speaking countries ‘Away in a Manger’ is one of the first Christmas songs to be taught to little children. It is a moving song with simple words which makes it easy to understand. The song is also known as ‘Luther’s Cradle Hymn’. This suggests that Martin Luther was the author of the lyrics. According to researchers however this is a misconception – the author is unknown. In England ‘Away in a Manger’ is sung to a different melody than in the USA for example. The ‘English’ melody was composed by W.J. Kirkpatrick. Andrew Mackereth made a touching arrangement of the ‘English’ melody which suits the tender lyrics perfectly.

In English-speaking countries ‘Away in a Manger’ is one of the first Christmas songs to be taught to little children. It is a moving song with simple words which makes it easy to understand. The song is also known as ‘Luther’s Cradle Hymn’. This suggests that Martin Luther was the author of the lyrics. According to researchers however this is a misconception – the author is unknown. In England ‘Away in a Manger’ is sung to a different melody than in the USA for example. The ‘English’ melody was composed by W.J. Kirkpatrick. Andrew Mackereth made a touching arrangement of the ‘English’ melody which suits the tender lyrics perfectly.