Meet Julia van IJken, a figure in music events who has gained international recognition in her field. Her story reflects dedication and a commitment to her craft. As the recipient of the 46th Boston/New England Emmy Award in the Special Events Coverage Category, Julia’s work as the editor of Young@Heart’s 40th Anniversary Film positioned her within the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. This was a result of her contribution to television and cinema, showcasing the spirit of aged performers and broadcasting their talents on PBS NY/WNET/Channel THIRTEEN.
Julia’s association with the world of arts and media is diverse. She was a Contributing Editor for 1 Granary and interviewed figures such as actor Antonio Banderas, trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort, artist Julie Verhoeven, and activist, TV presenter, and editor Caryn Franklin. In 2022, she oversaw Young@Heart’s performances at The Big E, New England’s state fair. With an audience of over 1.6 million people, Julia displayed Young@Heart’s talents with her directorial skills. Additionally, as a producer for the “Nado em Concreto” project, she worked with Visionaire and Vitoria de Mello Franco on a film commissioned by Visionaire.
In the industry of rhythm and celebration, Julia van IJken is recognized. Whether organizing virtual concerts during lockdowns, supporting the Young@Heart Chorus, or having her work shown on CBS Sunday Morning, Julia’s involvement in music is apparent. Join us as we explore the story of Julia van IJken and her journey within music and film.
Working with Young@Heart
Julia’s association with Young@Heart began during the challenging backdrop of a global pandemic. In those unprecedented times, specifically around April 2020, she embarked on a unique journey, crafting virtual shows created with the whole team working completely remotely. Working from her home in The Netherlands, Julia found innovative ways to preserve the essence of music and community, notably through Young@Heart’s virtual shows in 2020 and 2021.
Julia recalls, “I created 6 virtual concerts for them, and from the very start my goal was to continuously enhance the production quality of our virtual shows. This endeavor wasn’t merely about navigating the technical aspects of virtual concerts; it was a dive into the rich history and the heart of a group that had been a vessel of musical adventure for the last 40 years.”
The transition to virtual shows required creative skill alongside a robust financial strategy. Julia was instrumental on both fronts. Her innovative vision was not restrained by geographical borders, nor by the invisible enemy that COVID-19 posed. It was about transcending the conventional to explore a new realm of interaction and performance.
In facing the novel frontier of virtual performances during 2020 and 2021, Julia navigated Young@Heart with a steady hand. Her meticulous oversight in crafting virtual shows was crucial, converting challenges into a springboard for creativity. Julia reminisced, “I oversaw the creation of these virtual shows from start to finish; conceptualizing, directing, editing the shows myself, and liaising with our chorus members and band of musicians.”
As Julia delved deeper into Young@Heart’s history, creating an extensive archive of audiovisual material, she was gearing up for a project that would soon become a remarkable milestone – the Young@Heart’s 40th Anniversary Show in 2022. The planning of this monumental event was a heartfelt tribute to the group’s legacy and a celebration of the indomitable spirit of its members over the decades.
Julia mentions, “By utilizing archive material from the group’s history and rigorous rehearsal sessions, I jointly directed an incredible stage show with chorus director & founder Bob Cilman.” The meticulous preparation was a blend of honoring the past while embracing the present, a reflection of Julia’s distinctive methodology in orchestrating a significant event.
Recognizing the significance of this anniversary show, Julia envisioned a grander stage, one that could reach numerous hearts across the globe. “I realized this was going to be a big deal and that this really needed to be filmed in the best way possible,” she reflects.
In the quest for impeccable filming, Julia reached out to a seasoned director of photography, who she directed, and who utilized 14 different cameras to capture the essence of the show in a manner that the audience could resonate with, far beyond the limitations of a theater setting.
The culmination of this journey was not just a successful show but a filmed version that Julia edited with a deep understanding and a unique perspective garnered from her time spent working with the group. “That strongly informed the way the film turned out, and that feels very special,” Julia articulates.
Image courtesy of Julian Parker-Burns
The “MISS YOU” virtual show journey
The “MISS YOU” show was Young@Heart’s first attempt at a virtual concert, and Julia was right at the helm of it, wearing the hats of a producer, co-director, and editor. Together with chorus director Bob Cilman, they had a vision to keep the show engaging and of high quality, just like their stage performances. As Julia puts it, “My involvement with Young@Heart from the start was to maintain the same quality in their virtual shows as their stage shows to ensure that the transition from stage shows to virtual shows happened smoothly and successfully.”
To spice up the virtual show, they thought of inviting well-known artists who appreciated Young@Heart’s work and were willing to support. The call for celebrity participation was put out by their publicists, and the response was heartwarming. The artists were not just there to make a guest appearance; they were there because they valued Young@Heart’s work and believed in the cause. Julia mentioned, “The artists who got back to us did so because they knew our work and wanted to support it – and because they could see that the virtual show we were creating was a high caliber project.”
Among the celebrities who lent their support were David Byrne, Larry David, and Steve Buscemi. They didn’t just read lines off a script; they brought their unique touch to the show. Julia and her team provided a script as a starting point, but each artist added their own flavor, making the segments feel personal and heartfelt. Julia recalls, “It was exhilarating for me (and the whole group) to see the special sauce that people like David Byrne, Edie Falco, and Paul Shaffer added to our scripts and our show.”
Once the celebrity segments were recorded, it was up to Julia to weave them seamlessly into the show. Her task was to edit the footage, ensuring it blended well with the rest of the show’s content. Whether it meant shortening some segments or rearranging others, Julia’s focus was to maintain the rhythm and feel of the show.
This newfound media attention marked not only a personal milestone for Julia but also a significant moment for the entire Young@Heart chorus. The virtual shows Julia created and produced for the chorus led to media attention, including features on major news outlets like CBS Sunday Morning and CNN’s New Day. Celebrated for its global tours and an award-winning documentary, the group had its regular activities interrupted by the pandemic. Nevertheless, these virtual performances rejuvenated national awareness about the remarkable group and its mission, propelling Young@Heart to the forefront once again.
Julia cherishes the impact that Young@Heart has on both its members and its audience. The chorus doesn’t just deliver performances; it challenges the common perceptions about aging, offering a fresh, upbeat narrative that counters the rampant ageism in today’s society. “I’ve seen first-hand how it changes the lives of the people who are involved in it, but also how it changes the audience’s perspective on aging,” Julia observes.
The media spotlight not only validated the hard work put into transitioning to virtual shows but also amplified the chorus’s profound message to a broader audience. It was a step forward in combating ageism, one musical note at a time, and reinstating Young@Heart’s captivating presence in the hearts of many.
A milestone of excellence and recognition
Julia’s collaboration with Young@Heart soared to new heights during the 40th Anniversary Show, reflecting her continuous stride toward excellence. The recognition her work garnered served not just as accolades, but as a robust affirmation of her significant impact. She reflected, “To have the quality of the work recognized as well as the importance and value of this work on a community level is powerful and something I’m very grateful for.”
As the world started embracing normalcy again, Julia’s vision for Young@Heart continued to blossom. Her expertise in video production didn’t just enhance the group’s digital footprint but raised the bar of creativity with each project. The impact of the 40th Anniversary Show resonated broadly, earning a coveted Emmy Award and a feature on PBS in New York State. Reflecting on these milestones, Julia noted, “It’s wonderful to keep upping the production value of Young@Heart’s self-produced video projects, going from collaborations with celebrities, features on major US TV outlets to winning an Emmy Award in the Boston/New England chapter all in the course of a couple of years.”
The journey ahead seems promising with Julia at the creative forefront. Her blend of quality and community-centric work hints at a future filled with more enthralling projects, each resonating with the core values of Young@Heart, touching hearts, and making a meaningful difference through the universal language of music.
Carving the path ahead
Skilled, multi-talented, and recognized globally for her award-winning contributions to the music industry, Julia van IJken stands as a testament to the transformative power of artistic expression.
This accomplished event producer, whose deftness in crafting memorable music performances has captivated audiences, has a unique ability to breathe new life into diverse and meaningful projects. She has expertly directed and edited the performances of the reputed Young@Heart Chorus, harnessing the raw emotion and compelling narratives of these senior singers.
The coveted 46th Boston/New England Emmy, which Julia secured for her exceptional work on Young@Heart’s 40th Anniversary Show, is more than a shiny testament to her proficiency, it’s an acknowledgment of her commitment and passion to tell stories through her unique lens. Her affinity for pushing boundaries, and her uncanny brilliance in blending music with visuals despite the pandemic, reinvent the way audiences connect with performances.
Determined to leverage her experience to further elevate her craft, Julia plans to produce an intricate wave of musical narratives. “Well, the next goal after my first New England Emmy is another Emmy! I’m always working to get things to the next level,” she shares, brimming with unmistakable enthusiasm. “Young@Heart’s 40th Anniversary Film was my first full-length concert film, and I’m so excited to make more. I’m aiming to establish a more permanent film production team. I started research for a documentary about the 40-year history of Young@Heart and am very excited to start working on it more intensively. There’s so much amazing stuff there that the world needs to see, so many rich stories that people need to hear… I can’t wait for it.”
Crafting engaging and emotionally resonant performances, Julia van IJken continues to prove that music is so much more than just sound. It’s emotion, it’s narrative, it’s culture – and Julia is dedicated to honing her craft, to ensure the resonation of these intricate tales of music with audiences around the globe. Her remarkable achievements and her ambitious aspirations affirm her steadfast position in the industry, promising a future filled with innovative productions and impactful narratives. Her journey does not end with her first Emmy, but only begins.