Concert 30 oktober 2025 20:15
Leidse Schouwburg
Specially selected concerts, including an afterparty! From classical music to jazz and from world music to cross-over: let yourself be taken on a surprising musical journey in the intimate Aalmarktzaal for 5 quarters. Afterwards, the bar is open, the DJ is ready, and you can hit the dance floor in Café Caat, the theater café of the Stadsgehoorzaal and the new hotspot of Leiden. Whether you come with your partner or friends (or take yourself out on a solo date!): HEAR\\HERE guarantees a fantastic night out.
Mortality in classical music
Memento mori: a reminder of our mortality. On the eve of Halloween, HEAR\\HERE dives headfirst into the grave and the Dudok Quartet performs the most beautiful classical music about death. The famous string quartet Der Tod und das Mädchen by Franz Schubert is flanked tonight by compositions of Gesualdo, Mussorgsky, and Liszt: other composers who have also been inspired by this life-sized theme.
Masterclass 28 oktober 2025 09:00 - 30 oktober 2025
From October 28th to 30th, the NSKA masterclass will be given by Pierre Colombet of the Quatuor Ebène and Gilles Millet of the Quatuor Danel.
Pierre Colombet (1979) began playing the violin at the age of 9 at the music school of Saint-Galmier. In the class of Pierre Beaugrand, he won first prizes for the violin and chamber music at the conservatory (CNR) of Saint-Étienne. In 1997, he continued his education at the CNR of Boulogne-Billancourt, where his love for chamber music grew. Under the guidance of teachers such as Jacques Ghestem, Hortense Cartier-Bresson, Christophe Poiget, and Xavier Gagnepain, he founded the Quatuor Ebène in 1999, in which he is the first violinist. Since then, the quartet has had an impressive international career, winning prizes at the competitions in Bordeaux and Munich, and performing in cities like London, Berlin, Tokyo, Washington, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Munich, Prague, Salzburg, Palermo, and New York.
In addition to his classical education, which he completed with highest honors at the CNSM of Paris (class of Boris Garlitzky), Colombet developed a growing interest in improvised music, including jazz, tango, and electronic music. He constantly seeks to connect different musical traditions and cultures, fueling his artistic curiosity and enthusiasm.
Gilles Millet won the second prize at the International Bach Competition of Paris in 1986 and was admitted to the class of Régis Pasquier at the Conservatoire de Paris (CNSMD) at the age of fifteen, where he graduated in 1991 with a first prize and a special prize for contemporary repertoire.
Millet is one of the founders of the Quatuor Danel, where he plays second violin. From its inception, the quartet received international recognition, winning prizes at competitions in Florence, Evian, St. Petersburg (Shostakovich), and London. The ensemble was formed and inspired by luminaries such as the Amadeus and Borodin Quartet, Fjodor Droujinine (Beethoven Quartet), Walter Levin (LaSalle Quartet), Pierre Penassou (Parennin Quartet), and Hugh Maguire.
The Quatuor Danel is known for its in-depth explorations of the string quartet repertoire and has performed complete works by composers such as Beethoven, Shostakovich, Weinberg, Tchaikovsky, Schubert, Brahms, Schumann, Bartók, and Saygun.
Concert 25 oktober 2025 15:00
Stadsgehoorzaal, Leiden
Fontana Quartet
The Fontana Quartet is a lively, energetic, and passionate string quartet that has been collaborating since September 2021. The ensemble consists of violinists Mara Mostert and Caspar Bellamy, violist Elin Haver, and cellist Isaac Lottman. The young musicians form a quartet in which both the personal and the musical aspects click. They study at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where they meet for rehearsals and lessons with Dmitri Ferschtman, Judith van Driel, and Peter Brunt. The quartet has already performed multiple times: on TV at Podium Klassiek, at the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, and on beautiful stages throughout the Netherlands. In March 2024, the Fontana Quartet entered into a collaboration with Portuguese soprano Madalena Massano, with whom they went on tour to Portugal. Since October 2024, the quartet has been affiliated with the Dutch String Quartet Academy (NSKA), an academy that guides young ensembles in their learning process and offers many opportunities.
Program:
Britten String Quartet no.2 op.36
Barber Molto Adagio op.11 second part
Schulhoff 5 pieces for string quartet
Concert 23 oktober 2025 20:30
Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam
In Masterpieces Unboxed we dissect masterpieces from chamber music. Tonight with Ravel's String Quartet in F and the Animato Quartet. Gijs Kramers first takes you along inspiration sources, hidden details and surprising twists, with live played fragments that shed new light on the work. After the 'unboxing' the entire work will be performed. The language will be English.
Ravel's String Quartet in F
Ravel dedicated his String Quartet to Gabriel Fauré. The young composer, inspired by the refinement and timbre spectrum of colleague Debussy, wrote an irresistible evergreen. The bigwigs thought differently: Ravel submitted his quartet for the Prix de Rome. He did not win it, but was instead expelled from the conservatory for this deed…
Animato Quartet
For the Dutch Animato Quartet, founded in 2013, the sound world of Ravel holds few secrets. The four players are well-versed in this standard repertoire, but also exhibit a great curiosity for contemporary notes which they demonstrate on both domestic and international stages. In 2023, the quartet was awarded the prestigious Kersjes Prize. Let yourself be surprised by the powerful playing of the Animato's!
Concert 21 oktober 2025 20:00
Kasteel Keukenhof, Lisse
The Jakob Trio consists of Manuel De Almeida-Ferrer (violin), Carla Peña Romero (cello) and Imanol Casán (piano). Currently, the ensemble is studying at the Dutch String Quartet Academy. The trio has participated in various international music festivals in Spain and Italy and has won, among others, the 'Prix Champagne Maillard' of the European Chamber Music Competition. At this concert, they will perform music by Turina, Beethoven, Bustamante, and Mendelssohn.
Concert 19 oktober 2025 15:30
Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam
In March 2024, the Otilka Quartet enchanted the audience during an atmospheric lunch concert in the Small Hall. Today, they return to this magical place with a captivating new program. The highlight of the afternoon: Felix Mendelssohn's Second String Quintet in B-flat - a work full of fire, refinement, and emotional depth.
The Young Talent Promotion Foundation cordially invites you again to this unforgettable musical experience, presented by five emerging young musicians: the promising Otilka Quartet, along with the talented violist Séamus Hickey. Be surprised and moved by their passion, virtuosity, and top-level ensemble playing.
Otilka Quartet
The Otilka Quartet, a dynamic and international ensemble of four curious musicians - Iris van Nuland (violin), Lucien Renette (violin), Francisca Galante (viola), and Stefano Bruno (cello) - was born out of a shared passion for classical music and the desire to push the boundaries of traditional string quartet playing. Founded in 2020, this string quartet quickly established itself as a promising ensemble in the world of chamber music. In addition to performing standard repertoire, the quartet experiments with works by lesser-known composers, the art of arranging, and the fusion of music styles such as jazz, tango, and modern music. The quartet is named after Josef Suk's wife, after they performed the Second String Quartet by this composer. This piece created a real connection between the musicians, and after playing it, they decided to continue as a professional string quartet.
Concert 19 oktober 2025 15:00
Theater Heerlen
An emotionally beautiful program by ‘the top of the Dutch string quartet ladder’
Since winning the Charles Hennen Competition in 2012, the Dudok Quartet from Amsterdam has become a regular player in our classical program. “The Dudok quartet has played its way to the top of the Dutch string quartet ladder”, wrote De Limburger about this creative and one of the most versatile quartets of the moment. With Terra Memoria, this top quartet brings an emotionally beautiful program that touches you deep in your soul.
One of the saddest and best works in chamber music literature
In addition to music by Gesaldo, Mussorksy and Liszt, this concert features a major role for Schubert's masterful string quartet Der Tod und das Mädchen’; one of the saddest and best works in chamber music literature. Also in Saariaho's second string quartet Terra Memoria, death plays an important role. She places the immobile state of the deceased against the still developing memories we cherish of them. In those memories, they continue to live.
Program:
Saariaho: Terra Memoria
C. Gesualdo: Moro, Iasso
M. Mussorgsky: Songs and Dances of Death (selection)
F. Liszt: Via Crucis (selection)
Schubert: String Quartet in D minor D. 810 ‘Der Tod und das Mädchen’
Concert 18 oktober 2025 20:00
Muziekacademie, Mortsel
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of chamber music in the atmospheric concert hall of the Mortselse Music Academy, where musicians and audience merge in a unique symbiosis. This intimate setting provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable musical experience.
Discover the rich heritage of Victor Legley and Henry Sarly, two prominent educators who have inspired generations of conservatory students. As composers, they left behind an impressive and refined body of work. Be captivated by the passionate, highly romantic songs of the American-Belgian Frank van der Stucken and enjoy the playful brilliance of Jan Van Der Roost's Salto for violin. The program reaches its climax with a masterful piano quartet by Wilfried Westerlinck, with which he grandly concluded his beloved Landscapes series.
Enriched with an engaging lecture by Dr. Matthijs De Ridder on the vibrant cultural life in Flanders after the First World War, this concert is a must-see for curious connoisseurs who enjoy musical discoveries and refined sounds. Do not miss this special evening!
Concert 17 oktober 2025 20:15
Zwartzusterklooster
With 'Dancing in a Madhouse', duo Altiler enchants you with a musical show where virtuosic surprises, macabre madness, and introspection seamlessly intertwine. Let yourself be seduced by sensual tangos and rubbing harmonies that won't let you go. This violin and piano duo with Veronique De Raedemaeker and Alexander Declercq was in the spotlight in 2024 on 'De Twintigers' of Klara and they won the Supernova in 2025. They focus on intensity, colorful sound experiences, and an electric passion for music. The concert opens with Piazzolla's Grand Tango. You will also hear Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre, works by Liszt, Schnittke, Shchedrin, Auerbach, and Lutoslawski.
Concert 17 oktober 2025 20:00
Grote Kerk, Wageningen
The theme of this program is “chiaroscuro” — the interplay of light and dark. Tonight we will take a musical journey from darkness to light. Before the intermission, we will hear works that deal in a special way with the expression of dark colors and vulnerability, while also carrying a message that remains relevant today. Saariaho explores the fragility of human existence in Changing Light, while Shostakovich dedicated his Eighth String Quartet “to the victims of fascism and war.” After the break, we turn to the light. The program concludes with Mendelssohn's youthful and radiant String Octet: an outburst of energy and zest for life, where hopeful sounds continue to resonate — now and into the future.
Program:
Kaija Saariaho (1952-2023) – Changing Light
Noëlle Drost – soprano
Charlotte Spruit – violin
Eugène Ysaÿe (1858-1931) – Poème Élégiaque, op. 12
Ruslan Talas – violin
Michel Xie – piano
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) – String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110
Fontana Quartet:
Mara Mostert – violin
Caspar Bellamy – violin
Elin Haver – viola
Isaac Lottman – cello
– intermission –
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) from La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61:
No. 2 Puisque l’aube grandit
No. 3 La lune blanche luit dans les bois
No. 6 Avant que tu ne t’en ailles
No. 9 L’hiver a cessé
Noëlle Drost – soprano
Fontana Quartet – string quartet
Michel Xie – piano
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) – String Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20
Charlotte Spruit – violin
Ruslan Talas – violin
Mara Mostert – violin
Caspar Bellamy – violin
José Nunes – viola
Elin Haver – viola
Joel Siepmann – cello
Isaac Lottman – cello
Concert 11 oktober 2025 19:00
Common Ground Festival, Zwolle
Soprano Elisabeth Hetherington and the ADAM Quartet explore the intersections between voice and string instruments. Hetherington's expressive delivery and versatility seamlessly complement the detailed and inventive playing of the ADAM Quartet. With a program that pushes the boundaries between vocal and instrumental music, they show how voice and strings can enhance, challenge, and elevate each other to a new level.
Elisabeth Hetherington
The Canadian-Dutch soprano Elisabeth Hetherington was awarded the Dutch Music Prize in 2024 at De Doelen, known for her expressive interpretations of early, modern, and contemporary repertoire. Her background in modern dance informs her multidisciplinary approach, seamlessly combining singing and movement in innovative productions. She is acclaimed for her virtuosity, expressive power, and visual performance.
ADAM Quartet
The ADAM Quartet is a young and energetic string quartet that brings a fresh perspective to the classical repertoire. They blend traditional works with contemporary compositions and often collaborate with artists from other genres.
Concert 11 oktober 2025 13:00
Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam
On Saturday, October 11th, international bestselling author Dan Brown will come to Het Concertgebouw for a special afternoon centered around his new book The ultimate secret. The event will be hosted by Rik van de Westelaken and accompanied by a musical performance by the Hera Quartet.
During this unique gathering, Dan Brown, known for works such as The Da Vinci Code, will discuss the backgrounds, sources of inspiration, and intriguing themes of The ultimate secret. Attendees will receive an exclusive insight into the creative process of the author who manages to captivate millions of readers worldwide with his thrilling and layered stories.
Dan Brown, author
Rik van de Westelaken, moderator
Hera Quartet
Keizersgracht 241
1016 EA Amsterdam
info@nska.nl
