Dutch Pipes and Drums is proud to present the musical partners which cooperated in this CD production. Below you will find some more information about these partners.

Filharmonisch Orkest ’s-Hertogenbosch
In 1957 the "Filharmonisch Orkest ’s-Hertogenbosch” (FOH) was established. The spiritual father, Frits Marechal, originally planned to form a youth orchestra, assuming an ensemble of students from the “St.Janslyceum” could be formed. When this became impossible, he gathered orchestra members from all age groups, inside and outside 's-Hertogenbosch. At the first rehearsal there were approximately 25 strings and woodwinds, but the first concert on 12 June 1958 had already 55 permanent orchestra members, a "mature" symphony. Now 50 years later it is still a real orchestra with 70 members aged 15 to 80 years. "Music Friends" in the double sense: friends with music, but also associated with each other by the music. At that time, the next objective in the statutes of the "FOH" include: "Raising interest in listening and practicing orchestral music, and thereby contribute to the musical development in the field of classical and contemporary serious music." This is still the philosophy of "FOH" and will also be in the future. The orchestra board and the conductor, Lex Bergink, strive to combine a cosy atmosphere
with a high musical and artistic level. This is reflected in the programming of their own concerts and in cooperation with various soloists, choirs and musical ensembles. "FOH" can be heard on the tracks "Hector the Hero" and "Dances with Wolves". More information: www.fohsite.nl

Be Sharp!
"Be Sharp!" is a 16-member a cappella close harmony vocals choir from Utrecht and in its 15 years of existence they have earned their position. "Be Sharp!" was founded in 1994 and has since then built up an impressive curriculum vitae. At various vocal group festivals "Be Sharp!" has won many prices and managed to become on of the top close harmony amateur choirs in the Netherlands. Be Sharp! has placed itself in the semi-finals of "Korenslag" a contest for top choirs of which extensive TV recordings have been made. "Be Sharp!" sets its own regular show on the stage where not only the musical qualities are exhibited but a real musical production is the result of their effort. Besides its various CD productions "Be Sharp!" repeatedly cooperated with various musical ensembles. Because "Be Sharp!" is working with several new arrangers, alternating choral ensembles and musical styles "Be Sharp!" is a choir exploring the many dimensions of singing in its broadest sense. By constantly searching for challenges and pushing the boundaries they are the perfect partner for “Dutch Pipes and Drums” to work on this CD production. "Be Sharp!" can be heard on the tracks "Arrival" and "So Many Lives". More information: www.besharp.nl

Gelegenheids Harmonieorkest
When the date was set for the recording weekend an immediate problem occurred. The date happened to be in the official holiday period and a collaboration with an existing orchestra was not possible. This was the moment that Twan Wientjens started to put together a “Dutch Pipes and Drums orchestra”. After approaching fellow musicians in various orchestras the attraction of playing with a pipe band was so overwhelming that soon a full orchestra was formed. With musicians from various amateur orchestras from “Brabant” and even professional musicians the right balance was found. The various scores were given to the right people and Maarten Vugs arranged musical instruments. In the person of Jack Otten a dedicated, professional and inspiring conductor was found. Saturday 29 August 2009 was the day in which all musicians first came together. The morning was used for rehearsals and in the afternoon all pieces were recorded. Jack Otten inspired not only the brand-new for this occasion formed orchestra but also managed to work his charm on "Be Sharp!" and "Dutch Pipes and Drums" to bring them together in musical excellence. The result is a fantastic CD in which the sounds of the orchestra are a welcome addition to the traditional sound of the bagpipes. The "Gelegenheids Harmonieorkest” is heard on the tracks "Arrival", "So Many Lives" and "Highland Cathedral".

Below is a list of all the musicians who participated in this " Gelegenheids Harmonieorkest" divided by instrument / function.

Jack Otten (Conductor)
Judith Wientjens (Piccolo / Flute)
Hilde van Broekhoven (Flute)
Angelique Greven (Flute)
Luuk Denissen (Oboe)
Madeleine den Braven (Clarinet)
Linda Broeders (Clarinet)
Mirjam van Hattum (Clarinet)
Nicole Heerbeek (Clarinet)
Jannie Heijmans (Clarinet)
Maartje Huiben (Clarinet)
Margaretha Lambers (Clarinet)
Esther Wuijten (Clarinet)
Marjolein Wuijten (Clarinet)
Babs van Laarhoven (Bassoon)
Michiel van Essen (Trumpet)
Marrie Meeuwsen (Trumpet)
Robin Rombouts (Trumpet)
Jan vd Schoot (Trumpet)
Steven Dekkers (Trombone)
Stefan van Diessen (Trombone)
Bas Vermeulen (Trombone)
Elly-Ann van Alphen (Horn)
Kim van Dongen (Horn)
Monique Koks (Horn)
Anka Donders (Saxophone)
Lise Peters (Saxophone)
Twan Wientjens (Saxophone)
Michiel Wirken (Saxophone)
Ad Dankers (Euphonium)
Rob vd Ven (Euphonium)
Hans Borgt (Bas)
Tom van Emden (Bas)
Roel Denissen (Percussion)
Maarten Vugs (Percussion)

As requested by many hereby the song text of track #6 "So Many Lives".

So many lives, just born to die,
And who can give the reason why.
A little child, should pay the price
Slain down by war, through treachery and vice  

So many times, I’ve wondered why
so many people, have to die
For those few men who fight a cause
that isn’t mine and isn’t  even yours

How many years,
And how many tears must we shed           
Before we learn to love again.

So many lives, just born to die,
Slain down by war, through treachery and vice  

Instrumental:

And when the killing fields are over
And the damage has been done
When we’ve learnt our lessons well
By the rattle of the guns
When we come to live in harmony
Then the battle will be won
So many lives , So many lives,
So many lives , So many lives,