Classical - Day of Classical Music

Session 1 - DSM Theater cafe - Within Earth and Heart - Reed n’ Strings Duo (Guitar and sax)

Programme
B. Bartók - Romanian Folk Dances
C. Farrell - The Shannon Suite 
1st and 2nd movement

Programme notes
Within Earth and Heart is a journey through geographical and emotional landscapes, inviting the listener to explore the deep connection between music, place, and people. 
In this programme, saxophone and guitar come together to tell stories of distant lands, folk traditions, and intimate ties to the human soul. Each composition invites us to explore the world through music, discovering the connection between heart and earth, humanity and nature.
Béla Bartók – Romanian Folk Dances
The programme opens with Béla Bartók's Romanian Folk Dances, a composition deeply rooted in the musical traditions of Eastern Europe. Composed in 1915, this suite of six dances for piano (arranged here for saxophone and guitar) reflects the passion and vitality of Romanian folk melodies. Each dance is a miniature musical portrait, painting a soundscape of rural villages and festive gatherings, carrying with it a vibrant sense of earth and heritage.
David Farrell – The Shannon Suite
The concert then takes us to the banks of the Shannon River in Ireland, with David Farrell's The Shannon Suite. Composed in 2004, this work for saxophone and guitar evokes the majestic landscape and deep cultural heritage associated with this iconic river, a symbol of life and history for the Irish people. 
With its lyricism and range of atmospheres, the suite tells the story of people who live in harmony with the river, where the reflections of water blend with the rhythms of the heart.
Astor Piazzolla – Adiós Nonino
The programme closes with one of Astor Piazzolla's most iconic pieces, Adiós Nonino. Composed in 1959 in memory of Piazzolla's father, this work is an emotional explosion of tango, melancholy, and passion. 
The piece is telling the intimate story of a family bond, while also embracing the Argentine musical tradition and the nostalgia of a passing life.
Reed 'n String Duo is a guitar and saxophone duo formed in May 2024 at the Conservatorium Maastricht.
The two musicians: Gabriele Di Demetrio and Viola Masciangelo met while studying under theguidance of professors Carlo Marchione and Jean-Pierre Cnoops, and quickly discovered their shared passion for chamber music. 
They decided to come together as Reed 'n String Duo, creating a unique musical project that explores the possibilities of this uncommon combination of instruments.
What sets Reed 'n String Duo apart is their diverse and innovative repertoire: focused on transcriptions and original works written specifically for this unique formation.

Performers
Viola Masciangelo (Saxophone) and Gabriele Di Demetrio (Guitar)

Session 1 - Limburg Zaal - Mozart & Co. - Mozart Clarinet Quintet (String quartet & clarinet)

Programme
W.A. Mozart - Clarinet Quintet K.581

Programme notes
The Ensemble will perform one of the most beautiful and famous pieces ever written, the 1789 Mozart clarinet quintet. By sharing this piece with our audience, we would like to promote the beauty and perfection hidden among its beautiful melodies.
All the musicians who are part of this Ensemble met at the Maastricht Conservatorium and shared the passion for playing chamber music together. The Night of Classical Music will be our chance to finally share the stage together.

Performers
Ryan Char & Enrica Morbiducci (violin) Pietro Romagnoli (viola) & Tommaso Torrigiani (clarinet)

Session 2 - DSM Theater cafe - Reflection & Transcendence - Vassilis Gavvaris (Piano solo)

Programme
L. van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 Op. 109, in E major 
I. Vivace, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo 
II. Prestissimo 
F. Chopin: Ballade No. 1 Op. 23, in G minor 
M. Theodorakis: Petite Suite pour piano 
II. Lento 
III. Allegro molto marcatoo
IV. Andante mosso

Programme notes
This programme traces a profound journey from introspection to transcendence. Beethoven’s Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109 unfolds like an exhalation—its almost improvisatory opening gives way to a turbulent prestissimo, transforming initial meditative thoughts into determination and light. This arc elevates its spiritual testimony into something deeply personal yet universal.
Similarly, Chopin’s Ballade in G minor, Op. 23 begins with a melancholic reflection, gradually building through dramatic contrasts to a powerful, cathartic climax. His distinctive voice emerges through complex, lyrical melodies that convey real-life traumas, dreams, and intimate emotions. As Adam Mickiewicz, one of Chopin’s primary poetic inspirations, wrote: "The ballad is a tale spun from the incidents of everyday life or from chivalrous stories, animated by the strangeness of the Romantic world, sung in a melancholy tone, in a serious style, simple and natural in its expressions."
Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 2, Op. 14, shaped by his time in the Caucasus, marks a pivotal moment in his artistic evolution as he seeks to transcend his earlier style. The opening movement juxtaposes rhythmic tension with a wistful valse triste and a searing development, evoking both conflict and resolution. Through the traditional sonata form, Prokofiev acknowledges his achievements while pushing beyond them toward new expressive heights.
Finally, Theodorakis’s rarely performed Petite Suite, composed during his exile on the Greek island of Ikaria, transforms suffering into sound. The music captures both the harshness of the detention center and the island’s stark beauty, ultimately turning pain into reflection and spiritual transcendence. The finale, driven by the rhythmic pulse of his homeland’s island dances, affirms the indomitable spirit of a free people—one that transcends time and place.
Vassilis Gavvaris is a 24-year-old Greek pianist with roots in both Greece and Cyprus, currently pursuing his master's in Classical Piano at Conservatorium Maastricht under Dr. Katia Veekmans. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance (Summa Cum Laude) from Deree – The American College of Greece, where he studied under Dr. Tatiana Papageorgiou and was a recipient of the Frances Rich Scholarship. He also earned a Piano Soloist’s Diploma with First Prize from the Athens Panarmonio Conservatory. Vassilis is currently supported as a scholar by the A.G. Leventis Foundation and the Greek Ship-Owners Union with the Onassis Scholarship.
Vassilis began his piano studies with Maria Velmachou at the National Conservatory of Sparta and has won several awards, including 2nd Prize at the Chaerogiorgou-Sigara Competition, 2nd and 3rd Prizes at the Filonas Music Association Competitions, the award of Excellence and Ethos from the Sainopoulos Foundation, 1st Prize at the Felouris Music Competition, and an Honorable Mention at the Montecatini International Piano Competition. In 2023, he was honored with the “Emerging Soloist Award” by the Gina Bachauer International Music Association.
He has participated in masterclasses with renowned pianists such as Andrzej Jasiński, Tamás Ungár, Martino Tirimo, Michael Shinn, Peter Nagy, Staffan Scheja, and Jean-Louis Steuerman, among others, at institutions like the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Poland and the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Vassilis has performed at major venues such as the Megaron Athens Concert Hall, the Acropolis of Ancient Sparta, the Nathan Milstainsalen in Stockholm, and the House of Cyprus in Athens. He has also participated in the PianoCity Athens Festival, the Gina Bachauer Festival, and the Akademifestivalen in Stockholm.
Alongside his solo performances, Vassilis is an accomplished chamber musician, accompanist, and piano instructor, with experience in Greek traditional percussion. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, where he completed a thesis on gender and music performance. 

Performer
Vassilis Gavvaris (piano)

Session 2 - Limburg zaal  Brahms and the Poetry of Music - Filigran Duo (Piano and violin)

Programme
J. Brahms Violin Sonata no.2 in A Major op.100
1. Allegro amabile
2. Andante tranquillo - vivace
3. Allegretto grazioso, quasi Andante

Programme notes
Our concert programme delves into the intimate and lyrical world of Romantic chamber music, with Johannes Brahms’ Piano and Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 100. Composed during the summer of 1886 in Thun, Switzerland, this sonata reflects Brahms’ serene surroundings and personal contentment. This piece is like a poem expressed through music.
The first movement, “Allegro amabile,” opens with a gentle piano introduction, leading into a lyrical dialogue between the violin and piano. The second movement, “Andante tranquillo – Vivace,” serves both as a slow movement and a scherzo, alternating between tranquil and lively sections. The final movement, “Allegretto grazioso (quasi andante),” features a graceful theme that develops through various transformations, culminating in a joyful conclusion.
Formed in May 2024, this violin-piano duo chose the name “Filigran,” inspired by the German word for “delicate,” reflecting their dedication to refined, sensitive interpretations. With a deep passion for classical music traditions and a commitment to authentic, expressive performance, Theodore and Seulbi create a heartfelt connection with their audiences through each piece.

Performers
Theodore Kim (violin) & Seulbi Cho (piano)

Session 3 - DSM Theater cafe - From Haydn to Dvorak - Ondine Quartet (String quartet)

Programme
J. Haydn - String quartet op. 76 no 2
1. Allegro
A. Dvorák - "American" Quartet op.96 no 12
1. Allegro, ma non troppo
2. Lento

Programme notes
A glimpse into the folklore of American and Hungarian music, a journey in the feelings of two different countries and habitudes. 
With this repertoire, the Ondine Quartet wants to make you feel like a long, exciting journey worldwide.
Ondine Quartet is a newborn string quartet formed by people from different countries (Italy, Spain, and Chile) and starts from the pleasure of sharing the same musical point of view. Passion, energy, and love for lyricism enable them to face all the great repertoire composed for this ensemble. Enrica Morbiducci, Elena Martini, Matias Torres, and Santiago Ruiz de la Pena look forward to sharing as many experiences and stages as possible.

Performers
Enrica Morbiducci & Elena Martini (violin) Pietro Romagnoli (viola) & Margherita Succio (cello)

Sessieon 3 - Limburg zaal - Bonn to Chicago: clarinet trios - Trio Sarangi (Piano trio)

Programme
F. Ries - Clarinet trio op.28
1. Allegro
A. von Zemlinsky - Clarinet trio op.3
II. Andante

Programme notes
Ries's Clarinet Trio stands at the crossroads of Classical formality and Romantic expressiveness, capturing the stylistic shift of the early 19th century.
Zemlinsky's Clarinet Trio reflects the transition from Romanticism to early Modernism, combining lush harmonies with innovative structural elements influenced by his mentor, Johannes Brahms. 
Muczynski's Fantasie Trio merges the Romantic tradition of lyrical, expressive melody with a modern, distinctly American voice. His work bridges the Old World influences of European music with the New World's emphasis on clarity, rythm, and a sense of individuality.
Rachmaninoff's Vocalise serves as a poignant farewell to the Old World's lush Romanticism, written during the upheaval of World War I, on the brink of his eventual exile to the United States.
Èric: Cellist with more than 10 years of experience. I have performed in theaters all around Spain and I'm an award recipient of several competitions. I'm currently doing my studies with cellist Alexander Chaushian.

Performers
Mathijs Lewmmens (clarinet) Èric Díaz Vera (cello) & Dew Bordoloi (piano)

Session 4 - DSM Theater cafe - Windy Folk - Undique Quintet (Wind quintet)

Programme
G. Ligeti - 6 Bagatells
I. Allegro con moto
II.Rubato, lamentoso
III. Allegro grazioso
IV. Presto ruvido
V. Adagio, mesto
VI Molto vivace, capriccioso
P. de Rivera - Aires Tropicales
IV. Vals Venezolano
VI. Contradanza

Programme notes
In a world where political, social and cultural borders are often emphasized, Undique comes as a force for unity. By performing music that transcends geographic boundaries, they provide an opportunity for audiences to experience other cultures in a meaningful, emotional way. This message of inclusivity and connection through music is not only powerful but timeless.
Undique is a Maastricht-based woodwind quintet with a twist: replacing the bassoon with a baritone saxophone, they infuse classical and folkloric repertoire with fresh, dynamic energy. Specialized in playing music “from everywhere” as their latin name tells, Undique’s performances are a tribute to the diversity of nations and cultures, bringing audiences on a journey across continents through sound. The story of "Undique" can resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the feeling of being far from home, whether through migration, travel, or emotional distance. The ensemble is formed by five women of Spanish and Latin American descent, whose personal stories of migration inform their mission to use music as a bridge between worlds. Their music brings a sense of home to both the performers and the audience, making their concerts a personal journey for everyone involved and inviting to feel connected to different parts of the world.

Performers
Ángela Foved Uribe (Baritone saxophone) Sandra Mostaza Gallego (Flute) Maria Arrocha Rojas (Horn) Elena Loaiza Román (Clarinet) & Lilian Curbelo Martínez (Oboe)

Session 4 - Limburg zaal - Winding Lines of the Hands - Marta Fonseca (Guitar solo)

Programme
M. Pasieczny - (SZOPEN) RE:MEMBERING 
I. no:cturne 
II. pre:lude
Konstantin Vassiliev - Three Forest Paintings: 
I. The Old Oak 
II. Snowdrops
III. Dance of the Forest Ghosts
Vicente Asencio – Collectici Intim

Programme notes
Collectici Intim is a piece with six movements, of which "La Serenor" and "La Gaubança" are performed here. La Serenor has a calm and peaceful character, while La Gaubança is lively and playful, reflecting Asencio’s Spanish musical heritage.
Marek Pasieczny – (SZOPEN) RE:MEMBERING
This work is a modern reimagining of Chopin’s music. The first movement, "no:cturne", explores lyrical and reflective themes, while the second movement, "pre:lude", explores delicate, introspective sounds, while maintaining a connection to Chopin’s expressive style.
Konstantin Vassiliev – Three Forest Paintings
Three Forest Paintings portrays different aspects of nature. "The Old Oak" conveys strength and stability, "Snowdrops" evokes fragility and renewal, and "Dance of the Forest Ghosts" creates a mysterious and rhythmic atmosphere.
Marta Fonseca is a classical guitarist from Portugal with a varied and dynamic musical career. A winner of many competitions throughout Europe, she performs a wide range of styles and periods from baroque and classical to contemporary and folk, both as a soloist and as a chamber musician. 
“This is a perfect example of great musicianship. Marta Fonseca blends extreme technical agility with an impeccable sensitivity to harmony and timbre. Amazing musician.” - by pianist Francisco Cabrita.
In 2023, Marta started “Duo Arco da Velha” with violinist Vasco Sequeira, combining classical and Portuguese folk music, including original fado arrangements. They have been actively performing in Maastricht, with concerts in venues such as the Limestone Bookstore, the Willem Hijstek Hall, and the Sint Pieter Hall. They are occasionally mentored by  musicians such as the guitarist Carlo Marchione and the violinist Kyoko Yonemoto, among others.
Marta Fonseca also performs in a quartet project called "Fado Meets Mozart” with guitarist Eduardo Cal, saxophonist Silvia Martín and violinist Vasco Sequeira. It’s a quartet that started as a university project in 2023 and quickly became professional, performing all over the Netherlands. Their performance focuses on a piece that they wrote based on  both a composition by Mozart and elements of fado. Their work focuses on expressing 'saudade' - the deep feeling of nostalgia and longing that is intrinsic to Portuguese culture - through a mixture of music, poetry, spoken word, and visuals.
Recently, Marta began collaborating with Portuguese pop singer A Sul, arranging classical guitar parts for her latest album. Together, they will perform an intimate duo concert across Portugal in the winter of 2024-2025, fusing classical guitar with Portuguese folk and pop music.

Performer
Marta Fonseca (guitar)

Session 5 - DSM Theater cafe – Inner Landscapes - Suzy (Mixed ensemble)

Programme
Contemporary music repertoire: 
The music is written by a student composer from the conservatory: Phuc Nguyen. 
Poems by Samia Moussavi 

Programme notes
"Suzy" – A Journey Through Inner Landscapes 
This performance intertwines contemporary music with evocative poetry, creating a vivid and immersive exploration of emotions, memories, and imagination. 
•The featured poems, written by Samia Moussavi, present a mosaic of Suzy's life—a character who embodies wonder, vulnerability, and resilience. 
Each poem paints a unique scene, from Suzy's playful innocence to her introspective moments, weaving themes of nature, love, loss, and hope. 
•The music accompanying these verses, composed by Phuc Nguyen amplifies the emotional landscapes of the journey, creating a seamless dialogue between words and sound. 

Join us for an immersive experience where poetry and music intertwine, inviting reflection and connection. 
1. A new dawn 
2. In the kindergarten  
3. Certainly Birds 
4. Plane 
5. Candy-Rain 
6. Crystal-Silence  
7. White rooms 
8. Somewhere between four mountains 
9. Birdland 
(Each poem lasts between 1 and 2 minutes at most.) 

A new dawn, I began writing Suzy’s poems.  
Nine months later, when I completed the first cycle and shared them with others,  
I discovered: the words and images didn’t just belong to me 
—they resonated deeply with others.  

Suzy was not merely a personal introspection or a simple character but a mirror of our shared vulnerabilities and hopes.   
As the poems were read and discussed, the idea to bring them to life in a public setting emerged. And given the intrinsic bond between poetry and music, it felt natural to pair the readings with a musical performance, creating a dialogue between the two art forms. 

Performers
Aïsha Shapiama Michael (narrator) Tamami Torsellini (violin) Samia Moussavi (viola) Lucia Molina (clarinet Bb) Sofia Milenkova (piano) Hon Ning Cheung/Heddy (conductor) 

Image by: @Rezmoos.l performance, creating a dialogue between the two art forms.

Session 5 - Limburg zaal - A Touch of Melancholy - Duo Líra (Piano and cello)

Programme
F. Schubert - Sonata in A minor, "Arpeggione", D.821, I. Allegro moderato 
F. Schubert - An die Musik, Op. 88 No. 4 D.547 
E. Bloch - From Jewish Life 
   1. Prayer 
   2. Supplication 
   3. Jewish Song 

Programme notes
"A Touch of Melancholy" is a collection of musical memories. A fragile yet deeply colorful tone of the cello will guide us through Schubert's Arpeggione, written for a historical instrument of early romanticism, followed by arrangement of vocal repertoire that will deliver a message of love for music in An die Musik. Our last stop will be the soul of a Jewish person. Through his Prayer, Supplication, and Jewish Song, we'll experience feelings of pain, hope, and acceptance. Join us to travel back in time and recall your most cherished memories. 
Duo Líra is a cello and piano duo with a fresh and sparkling energy who found their passion in exploring repertoire from different stylistic periods, aiming to create deep and diverse musical colours that bridge their inner worlds with those of the listeners. Formed in September 2023, this young duo has performed at various venues around Maastricht, such as Kapel Opveld and Koepelkerk, and has been complimented by their colleagues and professors on their natural and sensitive connection and complementing each other. Péter and Sofija have been, and continue to be, guided by renowned musicians, cellist Gustav Rivinius, and pianists Anastasia Safonova and Katia Veekmans. 

Performers
Péter Massányi (cello) & Sofija Subbotina (piano) 

Session 6 - Limburg zaal - 'Alla Romania' - Fiati Mosateum (Woodwind ensemble)

Programme
G. Enescu - Dixtuor à vents Op.14 in D Major 

Programme notes
Enescu’s Dixtuor opus 14  (written 1904) is a typical example of his style of the early years. Without the actual use of pure folk music, Enescu does create an atmosphere of an idyllic Romanian country life. 
This beautiful 3 movement piece is one of the highlights in wind repertoire and an absolute must for all wind groups. 
Led by maestro Leon Bosch, this wind chamber ensemble is formed annually by students from the Conservatorium Maastricht. Thanks to Leon's extensive experience, the group explores a diverse repertoire that blends classical and contemporary works. 

Performers
Sandra Mostaza & Lucía Viana Camacho (flute) Amalia Navarro Luis (english horn) Bittor Carrera Belda (oboe) Elena Loaiza Román and Ruth Harris (clarinet) María Arrocha Rojas and Marina Mielgo Martín (horn) Adrián Abelaira Campoy and Adrià Alcamí López (ba