Concert 27 november 2025 20:00
Het Van Gogh Kerkje, Nuenen
A dragon with four heads – that's how you can imagine the Dokwerk Saxophone Quartet: four powerful voices sharing one breath. And yes, sometimes this dragon also breathes fire.
Known for their infectious energy and fearless musicianship, Dokwerk is a regular winner at international chamber music competitions. Highlights include: 1st prize in the chamber music category of the International Competition “Vítor Santos” 2021 (Portugal), 1st prize in the Italian competition for contemporary music ‘Reate’ (Italy), and both 1st prize and the Podium Prize at the Dutch ‘Chamber Music Competition Gelre 2022’. In 2025, they won the Audience Award at the Schiermonnikoog Festival. In the 2025/26 season, they will tour the 14 leading concert halls of the Netherlands as finalists of the Dutch Classical Talent Award.
Hailing from Germany, Taiwan, Italy, and Portugal, the four saxophonists met in Amsterdam, where – inspired by their new shared home – they named their ensemble Dokwerk, a Dutch name. Since then, they represent a new generation of the Dutch saxophone school – embracing and expanding it with adventurous and stimulating programs. Dokwerk surprises and captivates audiences with performances full of energy, enthusiasm, and unexpected twists. Lisa, Jen-Hong, Ileana, and Pedro believe in creating an intimate bond with their listeners – sometimes lightning-fast and powerful, sometimes soft and touching, always compelling.
They have performed in iconic venues such as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ, TivoliVredenburg, De Doelen, and Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, and are regularly heard on Dutch radio and television.
In 2022, Dokwerk joined the prestigious Dutch String Quartet Academy (NSKA) – a groundbreaking and inspiring chapter in their development. Under the artistic direction of Marc Danel, and immersed in the rich tradition of string quartet playing, they continue to shape their own identity as a saxophone quartet – an identity that honors tradition while also charting new artistic paths.
Concert 27 november 2025 20:15
Paleiskerk, Den Haag
A deep spiritual affinity
Hungarian composer György Kurtág feels a deep personal connection with Robert Schumann; both consider music to be the purest form of personal expression. Kurtág's Hommage à Schumann for clarinet, viola, and piano is one of his most poignant works, and gains even more meaning when juxtaposed with Schumann's beloved Piano Quartet.
Kurtág's Hungarian background is strongly present in his virtuosic Three Pieces for clarinet and cimbalom, in which both instruments are pushed to their limits. The internationally renowned Animato Quartet performs Béla Bartók's First String Quartet, a work that skillfully bridges the gap between the romantic and Hungarian musical traditions, seamlessly fitting into Kurtág's musical universe. Emerging composer Jasper de Bock adds a touch of experimental playfulness with 1001 Strokes for violin, while Léon Weiner's Két tétel for clarinet and cimbalom shines once again in what promises to be a captivating conclusion to the opening night.
Concert 30 november 2025 11:00
Theater 't Voorhuys
The Skazka Quartet, founded in 2020, is a new face in the Dutch quartet landscape. Skazka (скáзка) is the Russian word for fairytale, and that is exactly what the quartet aims for: storytelling. Since winning the Storioni Competition in 2022, they have made their appearance in several major Dutch venues, including the Concertgebouw, TivoliVredenburg, and De Doelen. They are the recipients of the String Quartet Scholarship 2024 from the Kersjes Fund.
Concert 30 november 2025 11:00
Sint Aegtenkapel
This concert presents the ADAM Quartet with their debut album Exquisite Corpse. The album is a musical collage where traditional repertoire and new compositions come together in the eponymous surrealistic play. Similar to the game, the individual parts create a surprising, collective whole. At the center is the Bach chorale Aus meines Herzens Grunde, which reappears in fragments as connecting interludes. Each quartet member contributes individually to this layered composition, in which classical and modern elements enhance and distort each other. Exquisite Corpse embodies ADAM as one musical body with a dynamic, joint vision.
Program:
Interlude I
Cavatina, String Quartet No.13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130 – Ludwig Van Beethoven
Interlude II
John Adams – Toot Nipple
Interlude III
My Desert My Rose – Aleksandra Vrebalov
Interlude IV
Aus meines Herzens Grunde – Johann Sebastian Bach
Concert 30 november 2025 11:30
Leidse Schouwburg Stadsgehoorzaal
When one thinks of the piano quintet, one usually thinks of a string quartet and a piano. Schubert and Vaughan Williams had different thoughts: they replaced one of the two violins with a double bass. Expect extra power in the low register and more depth in this heavenly chamber music.
Schubert's Trout Quintet and Vaughan Williams Piano Quintet
Contrary to what the addition of a double bass to the piano quartet might imply (dark and somber tones), in Schubert's famous Trout Quintet, we hear sunshine, cheerfulness and joy of life. Schubert was happy for a change when composing this quintet. A rare moment for Schubert, that he captures in this quintet, as if relentless time, that certain path towards death, momentarily stands still. Vaughan Williams's Piano Quintet is of course modeled on the unique example of Schubert, but is primarily influenced by the lyricism of Johannes Brahms. The first movement sounds orchestral and full, in the second part we hear Vaughan Williams' well-known lyricism, the third part is an autumnal and solemn theme with variations.
Concert 30 november 2025 15:30
Het Boterkerkje, Oirschot
The Graces Piano Trio, recently formed, brings together the vibrant personalities of violinist Nata Roinishvili, cellist Silvia Gira, and pianist Salome Jordania. With a shared dedication to musical excellence, The Graces combines the rich solo traditions of its members with their passion for chamber music.
Nata Roinishvili began her musical journey at the age of four, surrounded by a musical family and the atmosphere of opera houses. At the age of thirteen, she was already performing with major violin concertos and symphony orchestras, including Brahms's Violin Concerto in D major at the Grand Hall of the Tbilisi Conservatory. Nata continued her artistic development at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees under the guidance of renowned teachers such as Ilya Grubert, Kees Koelmans, and Peter Brunt. She has won numerous top prizes at international competitions in Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and beyond.
Silvia Gira is an Italian cellist with a career spanning a wide repertoire and international stages. After studying at the Conservatorio A. Scarlatti in Palermo, she furthered her education with leading cellists such as Antonio Meneses and Giovanni Sollima at the Accademia Chigiana, W. Stauffer, and Santa Cecilia. Her work and ongoing exploration of chamber music have taken her to major festivals and theaters in Italy, while performances at the Concertgebouw and Muziekgebouw in Amsterdam have confirmed her position in the international chamber music scene. Silvia is currently continuing her studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with Pieter Wispelwey and Maarten Mostert. Her master's degree in chamber music, accompanied by the Trio di Parma, reflects her deep connection to ensemble playing.
Salome Jordania is a Georgian pianist who has performed in some of the world's most prestigious halls, including the Berliner Philharmonie, Lincoln Center, and festivals such as Piano aux Jacobins and the Georges Cziffra Festival. As a soloist, she has performed with orchestras such as the Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra, Moscow Virtuosi, and the Orquesta de Valencia. She has won top prizes at international competitions, including the IKIF and the José Iturbi Piano Competition. Salome studied at The Juilliard School and Yale School of Music, and additionally earned an Artist Diploma at the Guildhall School of Music in London, where she received the prestigious Steinway & Sons scholarship. Her highly acclaimed performances blend technical brilliance with emotional depth.
Concert 1 december 2025 09:00 - 14 december 2025
Tournee Indonesië
In December 2025, the Adam Quartet will travel to Indonesia for an inspiring series of workshops and concerts. During this tour, they will meet young musicians, share knowledge, and perform at special locations in Medan, Surabaya, and Jakarta.
Program
Surabaya
Thursday, December 4, 2025 – Workshop
Location and time to be announced
Friday, December 5, 2025 – Concert
Petra University Surabaya, time to be announced
Medan
Monday, December 8, 2025 – Workshop
Sumatra Conservatoire, time to be announced
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 – Concert
Charles Wesley CBD Polonisa, time to be announced
Jakarta
Friday, December 12, 2025 – Concert
Erasmus Huis, starting at 19:30
With this tour, the Adam Quartet brings chamber music to various parts of Indonesia, collaborating with conservatories and cultural institutions. A wonderful opportunity for musical exchange and international connection!
Lecture 8 december 2025 16:30 - 18:00
ONLINE
Shostakovich: A Life Remembered is a unique study of the great composer Dmitri Shostakovich, based on memories from his contemporaries: family members, friends, fellow musicians, and other prominent figures from that time. Elisabeth Wilson illuminates the life of the composer from his early successes, through his struggles under the Stalinist regime, to his international recognition as one of the key composers of the 20th century.
She paints a detailed picture of Shostakovich's creative processes, how he was perceived by his contemporaries, and of the increasing contrast between his private life and public image as his fame grew.
Concert 12 december 2025 20:15
Het Jagthuis
When one thinks of the piano quintet, one usually thinks of a string quartet and a piano. Schubert and Vaughan Williams had different thoughts: they replaced one of the two violins with a double bass. Expect extra power in the depths and more depth in this heavenly chamber music.
Schubert's Trout Quintet and Vaughan Williams' Piano Quintet
Contrary to what the added double bass to the piano quartet suggests (dark and gloomy sounds), in Schubert's famous Trout Quintet we hear sunshine, cheerfulness, and joy of life. Schubert was happy for a change when composing this quintet. A rare moment for Schubert, which he captures in this quintet, as if relentless time, that certain path towards death, momentarily stands still. Vaughan Williams' Piano Quintet is naturally based on the unique example of Schubert, but is mainly influenced by the lyricism of Johannes Brahms. The first movement sounds orchestral and full, in the second part we hear Vaughan Williams' familiar lyricism, the third part is an autumnal and solemn theme with variations.
Concert 28 december 2025 15:15
De Waalse Kerk
Meet the string quartets of the future in the brand new String Quartet Series at the Waalse Kerk, in collaboration with the Dutch String Quartet Academy. Young ensembles full of energy breathe new life into the great classics and embark on adventures with surprising, contemporary works. Order a drink, sit back, and let yourself be carried away in our centuries-old church in the heart of Amsterdam.
About Fontana Quartet
The Fontana Quartet is an energetic and passionate string quartet that has been collaborating since September 2021. Their strength lies in the combination of a personal and musical connection, which enables them to fulfill their shared ambition to perform at a high level each time. The members met at the Sweelinck Academy and then moved on to the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Here, they come together during rehearsals and lessons with Dmitri Ferschtman, Judith van Driel, and Peter Brunt.
Since their formation, they have already delivered impressive performances: on television at Podium Klassiek, on the radio at Concertzender, and on various beautiful stages throughout the Netherlands. In March 2024, the ensemble entered into a collaboration with the Portuguese soprano Madalena Massano, with whom they went on tour to Portugal and gave five successful concerts. The repertoire of the Fontana Quartet includes quartets by Smetana, Mendelssohn, Britten, Schumann, and Shostakovich, showcasing a wide musical spectrum.
Since October 2024, the Fontana Quartet has been associated with the DSQA, an academy that guides young ensembles in their learning process and offers many opportunities.
Program:
Britten: String Quartet no. 2 in C, op.36
intermission
Barber: Molto Adagio, op.11
Berg & Schubert: 3 German Night Songs (no.1&3 of 7 Frühe Lieder and Nacht und Träume, D. 827)
Shepherd: Triptych
Concert 29 december 2026 13:00
Het Maltezerhuis, Utrecht
The young Otilka Quartet offers a double hidden gem. The quartet itself consists of musicians who we will hear a lot from in the future. Furthermore, the Otilka Quartet plays repertoire that is not on the music stand every day. The young ambitious string players met each other in 2020 at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. They can now also be heard on international stages and the quartet is one of the flagship ensembles of the renowned Dutch String Quartet Academy. The quartet distinguishes itself not only with exceptional performances of well-known string quartet repertoire like Beethoven's String Quartet op. 18 no. 1 but also with unknown repertoire, especially from Dutch origin.
For example, the Otilka Quartet performs the First String Quartet by Hans Henkemans. A forgotten Dutch composer who made a name for himself before the Second World War. His equally stirring and serene string quartets only resurfaced in 2023, ninety years later. The Otilka Quartet is currently the only string quartet performing these works. A surprising piece from a forgotten period of Dutch music history that is just as impressive as the more famous works of Beethoven and Webern.
About the series Hidden Gems:
The Hidden Gems series focuses on undiscovered young talent who are given the opportunity to present a self-curated program at unexpected and special locations in the city center of Utrecht. These top musicians of the near future come from postgraduate music programs and are often prize winners of competitions.
Another time: 15.00
Concert 30 december 2026 11:00
TivoliVredenburg
The Walking Concerts are a beloved part of the International Chamber Music Festival Utrecht. This time, the various walking groups are in for three exhilarating out of the box concerts featuring a percussion trio, a jazz string quartet, and a brilliant vocal duo. Soprano Ana-Carmen Balestra and mezzo-soprano Roza Herwig, under the name Opera Rebels, turn everything related to opera and classical vocal recitals upside down. The singers combine well-known opera arias with jazz, pop, folk music, and more, and also act to create a new captivating story.
The North Sea String Quartet is the Dutch jazz quartet of the moment. The quartet defies the laws of the traditional string quartet, mixes genres, and improvises on their own and well-known themes to explore uncharted territories. The Volkskrant already praised 'the sense of rhythm and timing' on the quartet's CD "Splunge", and Luister gave the album a very high rating, calling it 'a stunning kaleidoscope of sounds and movements' and 'movie scenes in sound'. During this walking concert, the exciting repertoire of "Splunge" will undoubtedly be heard in versions never heard before.
With 'bewitching interplay', the young Kāna Trio already won the Grachtenfestival Conservatory Competition in 2022. And this year, the Dutch-Portuguese percussion trio toured the country as part of the Dutch Classical Talent development trajectory. During the final closing, the trio won the coveted Dutch Classical Talent Award. 'Pure spectacle', was the clear jury comment here. Their infectious program also includes various remarkable works today, such as the playfully fascinating "Clacky Thocky Poppy" for three computer keyboards by Nuno Lobo.
Keizersgracht 241
1016 EA Amsterdam
info@nska.nl
