Former THE GATHERING singer Anneke van Giersbergen, who now fronts AGUA DE ANNIQUE, has issued the following update:

I'm happy to tell you we have been making something really special over the last few months. I passionately hope you'll check it out!

Love, Anneke."

Unique acoustic shows: Coming February 2009 Anneke van Giersbergen and her band Agua de Annique will give two unique shows at the Melkweg, Amsterdam (12 February) and at the Oosterpoort, Groningen (13 February). During these intimate performances Anneke will shed some light on her compositions through personal stories. Anneke will also be joined on stage by Sharon den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION), Niels Geusebroek (SILKSTONE) and singer-songwriter Marike Jager. These artists will also perform on her new acoustic album.

Anneke van Giersbergen (Agua de Annique, previously The Gathering) sharing the stage with Sharon den Adel is a rare occasion. Earlier this year Anneke appeared as a special guest on Within Temptation's live-DVD. Now Sharon and Anneke will join forces on stage again to perform that same song 'Somewhere'. This song, in a new acoustic version, will also appear on Anneke's forthcoming album.

Anneke van Giersbergen pushes her boundaries: Last year was a tumultuous, but successful year for Van Giersbergen. After 13 years she left The Gathering. During her time with the Gathering she evened out the path for a whole new generation of female rock singers. Soon after her departure she grounded her own band Agua de Annique. 2008 was also the year that Anneke, for the first time, was strongly present in the Dutch music scene. Her duet 'Als je ooit nog eens terug kan', with Racoon-singer Bart van der Weide and Artists for Tibet, made it to number 1 in the Dutch charts. Together with C-mon & Kypski she made a vibrant television appearance during the 'Fifty Years of Dutch Pop Music Quiz'. Anneke also did an overwhelming version of Alanis Morissette's 'Ironic' during the '90's Request Week on Giel Beelen's morning show on National radio.

Acoustic album: As well as acoustic versions of songs from her solo debut Air, the album will contain some great collaborations. Besides Sharon den Adel, Niels Geusebroek and Marike Jager, Anneke will be joined by Danny Cavanagh (ANATHEMA), John Wetton (KING CRIMSON, ASIA) and Arjen Lucassen (AYREON).

The album will be presented during these special shows.

Anneke states: "over the last years I have done many guest appearances for a wide range of artists. This time I wanted to be the one to invite an outstanding lineup of musicians to contribute to my album."