Rob Goorhuis

Kefas

The composition Kefas was written for the brass band 'Apollo' from Grou (The Netherlands), by order of the Unisono Foundation, the organisation for wind music in The Netherlands.
The assignment was given on account of earning the Champions Title during the Dutch Brass Band Championships in the year 2001 (4th division).

The theme of the composition links the tradition of the village Grou, not to celebrate Sint Nicolaas but Sint Pieter. By this typical Dutch festivity (in December) the holy Nicolaas gives presents to the children. It is a popular custom where young and old participate.
Grou is the only place where this is not done by Sint Nicolaas but by Sint Pieter. Apart from that, on the 22th of Februari, a lot of festivities that take place, resemble those of the Sinterklaas celebration.

In the composition two Sint Pieter songs are processed, set through bible scenes, wherein in among others the visit of Christ to the house of Peter's Mother-in-law and the calling of Peter are depicted.
The title refers to the pronouncement of Christ, where he named Peter the rock on which he shall build his church.
The Hebrew word for rock is Kephas.
Kefas was premiered in 2003.