The foundation of her vault (and apparently also her grave) is trampled on almost daily by shoppers. However, a memorial stone in the center of Utrecht still indicates where Suster Bertken (c.1426-1514) had herself walled in, and that for two-thirds of her already long life. The less than 16 square meter vault had only two windows. Through one window she received the host from the Buurkerk. Through
… the other window she maintained contact with the shoppers at the time. In this way Suster Bertken could receive food or recite mystical texts to interested parties. However, in its cramped housing, the mystic went further than anyone else. Where no man has gone before, to speak to the Star Trek fans. Composer Robert Zuidam even compares her to Stephen Hawking, the astronomer who traverses all existence from quantum level to multi-universe from his wheelchair (at least in theory). Zuidams opera shows how Suster Bertken allows himself to be quartered with a requiem at the age of thirty. The symbolic death, however, leads to a startling birth. In a vision, the hermit identifies herself with the virgin Mary, in travail of the baby Jesus. Of course, such an opera had to premiere before Christmas. This CD therefore draws on the concert performances of December 2010. (HJ) In a vision, the hermit identifies herself with the virgin Mary, in travail of the baby Jesus. Of course, such an opera had to premiere before Christmas. This CD therefore draws on the concert performances of December 2010. (HJ) In a vision the hermit identifies herself with the virgin Mary, in travail of the baby Jesus. Of course, such an opera had to premiere before Christmas. This CD therefore draws on the concert performances of December 2010. (HJ)more
