Film & Concert
GER 1919, silent movie, 61 min
Directed by Ernst Lubitsch
On the occasion of the Flanders International Film Festival 2005 in Ghent Flemish composer Peter Vermeersch and the Flat Earth Society paid tribute to Ernst Lubitsch’s silent movie The Oyster Princess of 1919. Their soundtrack accompanies the main protagonists Victor Jansen – who made his fortune in oysters – and his daughter Ossi Oswalda – wanting to marry an impoverished prince. In sending a friend Prince Nucki – husband in spe – pretends to be someone else. Predictably one misunderstanding leads to another culminating in the final happy ending-cum-silent jazz concert on screen.
Led by clarinetist Peter Vermeersch the Flat Earth Society belongs to one of the most unorthodox bands in Belgium. Since the end of the nineties they have been putting forth an exceptional mixture of swing, mambo, chanson and free rock. Amongst their musical influences Henry Mancini and Sun Ra, the Residents and John Zorn, their repertoire ranges from cover versions and radio plays to soundtracks.
In 2002 they have been orchestra-in-residence at the Cultural Capital of Brügge.
Peter Vermeersch – clarinet, binding lyrics
Stefaan Blancke, Marc Meeuwissen – trombones
Benjamin Boutreur, Michel Mast, Bruno Vansina – saxes
Tom Wouters – clarinet, percussion
Bart Maris, Luc van Lieshout – trumpets
Wim Willaert – accordion
Peter Vandenberghe – keyboards
Berlinde Deman – tuba
Kristof Roseeuw – bass
Teun Verbruggen – percussion
Flat Earth Society with the support of the Flemish authorities“The Oyster Princess” is a co-production of Vooruit Arts Centre, De Singel, the Festival of Flanders, the Flanders International Film Festival – Ghent, Motives Festival and non-profit organisation BONK