Night of Classical Music (timetable 2025)

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Willem Hijstek Hall - Melancholy, Grace & Fire - Celis & Goldberg piano duo (Piano duo) 

Programme
P.I. Tchaikovsky Valse uit String serenade 
A. Borodin Polovets dances 
S. Rachmaninov Romance 

Programme notes
A Journey Through Melancholy Elegance and Passion This program showcases the brilliance of Russian classical music through the enchanting interplay of two pianos. 
• Tchaikovsky’s Waltz exudes elegance and charm, capturing the grace and delicacy of the Romantic era. Its flowing melodies and lilting rhythms evoke the grandeur of ballroom dances, blending sophistication with heartfelt emotion. 
• Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances bursts with energy and vivid color, painting an exotic picture of nomadic life. With driving rhythms, lush harmonies, and powerful dynamics, this piece transports listeners to a world of celebration and drama. 
• Rachmaninov’s Romance offers a contrasting moment of introspection and lyrical beauty. Known for its lush harmonies and emotional depth, this work reveals the composer’s gift for expressing profound longing and tenderness. 
Together, these pieces create a dynamic and captivating program, blending romance, elegance, and exhilarating energy. 

Performers
Joop Celis & Anastasia Goldberg (piano) 

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Jeker Room - Die kleine und schöne Müllerin - Anthony Bastos (Piano and Vocal)

Programme
F. Schubert - W. Müller 
Extracts from « Die Schöne Müllerin » (D.795) 
1. Das Wandern  
2. Wohin  
5. Am Feierabend  
10. Tränenregen
11. Mein  
13. Mit dem grünen Lautenbande  
14. Der Jäger 
15. Eifersucht und Stolz 
19. Der Müller und der Bach 

Programme notes
« Ist das denn meine Strasse? »  
« Is this, then, my path? » 
This question is heard just a few minutes after the beginning of the narrator’s journey. 
At that point, those of us unlucky enough to already the fate that awaits the young miller wish we could just enter the pages and tell him to turn around, go back to where he came from : somewhere with no müllerin to love, no hunter to be jealous of, no brook to listen to ; but that is unfortunately out of our control. We are all spectators to this story of human nature, of hope and despair, of love and of loss.  
Come share with us the story of Die Schöne Müllerin, in a shortened but not less poignant version : 9 songs to explore and reflect on the complexity of the human experience. 
United in their appreciation for storytelling and romantic music, Maria Leonor Sà, pianist, and Anthony Bastos, baritone, met at Maastricht Conservatorium in 2024 and quickly started making music together. This « Fair maid of the mill » is just one adventure among many more to come and be shared. 

Performers
Anthony Bastos (Singing) & Maria Leonor Goncalves Teixeira (Piano) 

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Room 102 - Sax Echoes: a Polyphonic Trip - Ventus Quartet (Saxophone quartet)

Programme
G. Gershwin - Three Preludes 
J. S.  Bach - Italian Concert 
I.  Albéniz - Sevilla 

Programme notes
Timeless Voices: Polyphonic Masterpieces Reimagined for Saxophones  
In the evolution of music, certain instruments have been envisioned as vehicles to express multiple voices in harmony, such as the piano or the guitar. In this concert, we explore how the saxophone quartet can become a new canvas for works originally conceived for these instruments, revealing new textures and colors in each piece.  
From the sophisticated modernity of Gershwin's Three Preludes, through the intimate and expansive dialogue of Bach's Italian Concerto, to the vibrant Spanish tradition of Albéniz's Sevilla, these transcriptions not only pay homage to their original composers but also open new sonic perspectives. Through them, we invite the audience to rediscover polyphony as a bridge between eras, styles, and forms, where the saxophone emerges as an unexpected narrator of both ancient and modern stories. 
We are a newly established saxophone quartet called "Ventus." On soprano saxophone, we have Ivor Zlodre, who is in his first year of Master studies. He hails from Croatia, where he completed his bachelor studies in the class of Professor Gordan Tudor. Playing the alto saxophone is Angela Foved, who is also in her first year of Master studies, and both are under the gudiance of Eva Grinsven. She studied her bachelor degree in the "Conservatori Superior de Música de les Illes Balears" under the tutelage of Xabier Casal. On tenor saxophone, we have Adria Alcami from Valencia, student at the conservatory of Castellon de la Plana with Professor Antonio Perez Ruiz, continuing his studies with Jose Luis Garrido Antequera and now finishing his studies with Eva van Grinsven, and on baritone saxophone, Adrian Abelaira; both are in their final year of Master studies, also in Professor Eva Grinsven's class. Adrián comes from Andalucía, in the south of Spain, where he completed his Bachelor, under the guiadance of Jose Antonio Santos Salas. Enthusiastic quartet, with its unique sound, will take you on a beautiful journey through a diverse repertoire and a sea of emotions. 

Performers
Ángela Foved, Ivor Zlodre, Adrià Alcamí & Adrián Abelaira (saxophone) 

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Room 109 - Kegelspiel Trio - Trio Divertimento (Piano trio)

Programme
W.A. Mozart - The Kegelstatt Trio, K. 498 

Programme notes
The programme features Mozart’s Trio in E-flat Major, KV 498 (“Kegelstatt”), a delightful and intimate chamber work for clarinet, viola, and piano. The piece reflects the warm and conversational style typical of Mozart’s chamber music, weaving a story of friendship and collaboration among the three instruments. 
Its nickname, Kegelstatt, meaning “bowling alley,” suggests a playful and relaxed atmosphere, though the music itself is full of depth, elegance, and charm. The trio showcases the beauty of instrumental interplay and balance, creating a rich and engaging listening experience that bridges the playful and the profound. 
Elena Loaiza is a clarinetist who is currently pursuing her Master of Music in the Netherlands. 
Loaiza is a versatile musician, having played as a soloist, in symphonic bands and orchestras, as well as in different formats of chamber music ensembles. 
For the 2023-2024 season, he will perform at the Theater aan het Vrijthof, Maastricht, with wind band and orchestra projects from the Maastricht Conservatory. This September, his clarinet ensemble, Dois Quartet, will tour southern Spain with a series of concerts based on folk music from different origins. 
She has played in the most important orchestras in her country. For the 2021-2022 season of the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, she was invited as a guest musician on several occasions. During the same season, she won the audition to be Bass Clarinet and Second Replacement Clarinet in the Symphony Orchestra of the University of Costa Rica. 
In recent years, he won the Third Prize at the International Orchestra Audition Awards of the Samnium University of Music and the Mozarteum Salzburg Foundation. He was also part of the "Promising Artists of the 21st Century" program at the Curtis Institute of Music. He also attended the Academia Iberoamericana do Clarinete in Portugal. 
Since 2017, she has been part of the production team of the International Clarinet Festival of Costa Rica, a non-profit event that gives its participants the opportunity to take master classes with world-class clarinetists without any registration fee. The spirit of the project is to create inclusive and accessible learning opportunities for clarinetists from Costa Rica and the rest of Latin America. 
After completing her Bachelor's degree in Performance and Music Education at the National Institute of Music in Costa Rica, she moved to the Netherlands to study her Master's degree in Music under the tutelage of Roeland Hendrikx at the Maastricht Conservatory.  
Jiayi Li: She has performed as an invited artist for major piano manufacturers, including KAWAI, KURZWEIL, and CASIO. 
She won awards at the New York Rondo Young Artist Music Competition and the 7th Nuova Coppa International Competition in Osimo, Italy.  
She was invited by the People’s Music Publishing House to record the demonstration CD for China’s examination textbooks.Her concert experience spans over 20 cities in China and has been featured in over 50 Chinese media outlets. 
She studied at the Tchaikovsky Central Music School at age 12, continued her education at the Mannes School of Music in New York at age 16, and is now pursuing her graduate studies at the Maastricht Conservatory. 
Alejandra Martinez is a passionate, innovative and committed violist from Colombia. She has stood out for being part of different chamber music ensembles and renowned orchestras in her country performing not only classical music, but also contemporary music, traditional Colombian and Latinoamerican music.
With a Bachelor in Viola from the National University of Colombia, she is currently studying her Master at Conservatorium Maastricht with professor Jula Dinerstein. 

Performers
Jiayi Li (piano) Maria Alejandra Martinez Calderon (viola) & Elena Loaiza Roman (clarinet) 

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Room 202 -  MusicLab - Composition Class (Mixed ensemble)

Programme
Aiden Lewis - Pianophrenia (2024) 
Avery Chan - Syrinx (2025) 
Matías Noreña Muriel - Eros & Thanatos (2024) 
Sara Carmona Murillo - Waves (2024) 
V Noel - Te weinig denkruimte 

Programme notes
Pianophrenia - Pianophrenia is energetic and lyrical. One moment you experience the percussiveness runs of a piano; another moment you hear how singable and expressive the keys can be. Pianophrenia is a journey of excitement, dance, anticipation, and more.
Syrinx - Exploring abilities of the recorder, Syrinx brings us the feeling of sweetness in solitude. However limited the recorder might be compared to other flutes, we continue to find possibilities in circumstances.
Eros & Thanatos - Eros & Thanatos explores the dual forces of creation and destruction that shape our existence. It invites performers to embrace freedom within a structured framework, creating a dynamic and ever-changing soundscape. Rather than dictating every detail, the composition empowers the musicians to embody these opposing forces, allowing each performance to be unique. Life’s contrasts are highlighted, offering a moment of reflection on the beauty and tension that arise balance between energies.
Waves - Guided by the waves of the Tibetan bowl, Waves is a journey that encourages us to look inward, to flow, and let the music lead us to a place of serenity. It is a brief moment to stop and appreciate the smallest things.
Te weinig denkruimte - The piece's scenery brings our performance to a close but opens another door to creativity and composition.
Students of the composition class of Vykintas Baltakas are of diverse backgrounds –
Aiden combines jazz and classical in his craft. Apart from being a proficient violin/violist, he is also a player of the harmonica, bird whistle, and glass bottle.
Avery is a big fan of woodwinds, low sounds, poetry, and taking long walks for daydreaming. She will spend the next 4 years exploiting emotions for creativity.
Matias is a chill guy that plays the violin, the piano, guitar, and words. He is cleverly opinionated.
Sara is the official astrologer of the composition class. She is a bit crazy, but she is not a bad girl. (And she sings and plays the guitar.)
Noel loves loud sounds. Anything expressive he takes it. Then smear it across his compositions in very generous amounts.

Performers
Aiden Lewis (violin, viola) Avery Chan (piano, recorder) Matías Noreña Muriel (piano) & Sara Carmona Murillo (guitar, Tibetan bowl) V. Noel 

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Room 211 -  Soul Strings - Phoenix (Piano and Vocal)

Programme
A. Ponchielli- 'Suicidio' ( La Gioconda) 
P.I. Tchaikovsky-Arioso Cuma from the opera Enchantress' 
P.I. Tchaikovsky - romance 'Was I not like grass in the lea?' 
E. Leonkavallo- ' La Mattinata' 

Programme notes
The theme of our program is music that unites people from different worldviews. Everything is temporary, art is forever. 
Evgenia Lahtina, a student at the Maastricht Conservatory.She has been living in Belgium since 2006 
Before that she lived in Moscow, Russia. 
Works as a piano teacher in Tonghers, Belgium. 
Olesya Kaleteuk has been living in Belgium since 2022. Before that she lived in Odessa, Ukraine. 
Since 2023 they have been working on the program as a soprano and accompanist. They are currently performing at local concert venues in Belgian Limburg. 

Performers
Evgenia Lakhtina (piano) & Olesja Kaletuk (vocal) 

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Room 311 -  Junior Conservatorium Maastricht Mass NJ - Jessica & Nina (Piano and Violin)

Programme
Prokovief, op 65 
Avond 
Tarantella 
Valse 
Fur Elise 
Edute 

Programme notes
I will present a beautiful scene of dance, an amazing evening and a love story. 

Performers
Jessica Hu (piano) Nina Torunski (violin) & Andrea Boga Sanchez (piano) 

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Room 312 -  Brahms: Echoes of Emotion - Arcana Duo (Piano and Violin) 

Programme
J. Brahms - Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108 for Violin and Piano 

   I. Allegro 
   II. Adagio 
   III. Un poco presto e con sentimento 
   IV. Presto agitato 

Programme notes
Brahms’ final violin sonata, dedicated to the violinist Hans von Bülow, is a powerful mix of passion and lyricism. 
At the time, Brahms was spending summers in the picturesque Swiss town of Thun. Despite the beauty and serenity of his surroundings, the sonata exudes drama and introspection, traits characteristic of Brahms’ later years. 
In this sonata, the intense dialogue between violin and piano exemplifies his chamber music ethos: neither instrument dominates, and both engage in an intricate, expressive conversation. 
Though he never married, Brahms shared a famously complex and lifelong friendship with Clara Schumann, whose influence permeated much of his music, possibly even this sonata. 
Known for his perfectionism, Brahms often destroyed works he deemed unworthy, and this meticulous approach is evident in the seamless craftsmanship of this sonata. 
This sonata stands as a poignant example of Brahms’ late style: stormy, reflective, and utterly timeless. 
Kazuma Hashimoto is a Japanese pianist. Kazuma graduated from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music with his master's degree under the direction of Professor Masahito Shimizu in Japan.  
Currently studying with Professor Joop Celis and Willem Brons in the Netherlands. 
Sara Manaresi, an Italian violinist, is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the Conservatorium Maastricht with Professor Kyoko Yonemoto. She has regularly attended masterclasses by P. Vernikov, K. Sahatçi, and L. Borrani. She has won several international competitions in Italy. 
She has performed as a soloist with the Orchestra del Maggio Fiorentino and ORT. Sara has also performed in orchestra at the Musikverein in Vienna after winning the WOF Competition. 

Performers
Kazuma Hashimoto (piano) & Sara Manaresi (violin) 

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Room 318 - Horizons and Lyricism - Tésseris Ensemble
(Wind Quartet)

Programme
A. Rubstov, "Flowers of the sun" (Quartet for 4 flutes) 
A. Piazzola, "Oblivion" 
F. Mendelsohn, Scherzo op. 61 from "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" 
R. Korsakov, "The flight of the Bumble Bee" 

Programme notes
The repertoire can be understood as a musical journey that explores universal emotions (ranging from lightness to introspection), soundscapes (nature, dreams, passion), and diverse cultures, all connected by a dynamism that flows through each piece.   
A voyage that takes the audience through dreams, memories, landscapes, and timeless emotions. 
Tésseris Ensemble is a flute quartet formed in September 2024, composed of flutists from different regions of Spain who met in Maastricht. The name "Tésseris" refers to the union of four elements, reflecting the geographical and musical diversity of its members. The project arose from a shared desire to make music together in a playful and enriching way, both for the musicians and the audience. With a focus on enjoyment and artistic development, Tésseris Ensemble aims to grow as a group and explore future musical projects. 

Performers
Marta Pavía Díez, Sara Lorenzo González, Lucía Soler García & Agustín Sánchez Rubio (flute) Adrià Fort Noguera (percussion) 

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Matty Niël Hall - Op. 114: Emergence & Reawakening - Orion Trio (Cello, Piano, Clarinet)

Programme
J. Brahms: Trio in A minor for clarinet, cello, and piano, Op. 114 (1891) 
 I. Allegro 
 II. Adagio 
 III. Andantino grazioso 
 IV. Allegro 

Programme notes
Johannes Brahms’ Trio in A minor, Op. 114 for clarinet, cello, and piano, composed in 1891, is one of four exquisite works inspired by clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld. Known as Brahms’ “dear nightingale,” Mühlfeld rekindled the composer’s desire to write after declaring his retirement, leading to a late creative bloom. The Trio highlights the clarinet’s lyrical possibilities, blending its noble tone with the cello’s warmth and the piano’s dynamic versatility. 
The first movement, Allegro, is dramatic and impassioned, contrasting its quiet second theme. The Adagio overflows with lyricism, exploiting the clarinet’s expressive range, including the soulful chalumeau register. The Andantino grazioso introduces a playful elegance, providing contrast before the finale, where the Allegro restores the work’s intensity with a somber yet determined energy. This piece, characterized by introspection and masterful craftsmanship, captures Brahms’ world-weariness while affirming his unparalleled ability to intertwine emotional depth with structural brilliance. 
The reawakening of Brahms in Op. 114 is vividly realized by the newly established and emerging Orion Trio, bringing a fresh, dynamic voice to this timeless masterpiece. 
Orion Trio is a newly formed, dynamic chamber music ensemble comprised of three master’s students from Conservatorium Maastricht: Lucía Molina Cano (clarinet), Fermín García Menendez (cello), and Vassilis Gavvaris (piano). This Spanish-Greek ensemble is coached by the renowned clarinetist Prof. Roeland Hendrikx and, within its first semester, has already performed with great success at the Conservatory’s Open Stage concerts, showcasing works by the great Romantics. 
Future plans for the Orion Trio include participation in the Chamber Music Festival, The Night & Day of Classical Music, as well as concerts, masterclasses, and competitions both within and beyond the conservatory. The ensemble members share a deep passion for collaborative music-making and a commitment to detailed, expressive communication, aiming to inspire and connect with wider audiences. 
The trio’s name is inspired by the mythological figure Orion, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and dedication to a goal—qualities that resonate deeply with their artistic vision. 

Performers
Fermín García Menendez (cello) Vassilis Gavvaris (piano) & Lucía Molina Cano (clarinet)

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Room 402 - The enigmatic perfectionist - Trio Andrade

Programme
M. Ravel - Piano trio m.67
1. Modéré
2. Pantoum. Assez vif
3. Passacaille. Très large
4. Final. Animé

Programme notes
A parting from innocense just before the outbreak of a world war…
The Andrade trio got together 2 years ago, the connecties link is the Maastricht Conservatory . All  three members studied there and Kyoko became violin professor there, Constant became corepetitor, Luis works as conductor and cellist in the Phion Orchestra

Performers
Kyoko Yonemoto (violin) Luis Andrade (cello) & Constant Notten (piano)

Session 1 - 19:00 - 19:30 - Room 408 - From Haydn to Dvorak - Ondine Quartet (String quartet)

Programme
F. Schubert “Quartettsatz” string quartet, D703 
F.J. Haydn “Fifths” string quartet, Op. 76 n.2  
I. 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) 

Session 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Willem Hijstek Hall - The Romantic Awakening - Sonem Quartet (String quartet) 

Programme
F. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy - String Quartet no.2  in A Major, Op. 13 
 I. Adagio - Allegro 
 II. Adagio non lento  
 III. Intermezzo. Allegretto con moto - Allegro di molto 
 IV. Presto - Adagio non lento 

Programme notes
Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 13 has been an audience favourite ever since its composition in 1827. Composed at only 18 this is not only Mendelssohn's first mature but also his most passionate quartet. This work of emotional depth and technical sophistication blends classical form with lyrical expressiveness. The quartet in A minor showcases the young composers'  unique voice, which will become so recognisable later, for the first time. After a soft introduction a dramatic Allegro vivace sweeps the listener of his feet. In the tender Adagio, the strings explore rich harmonies and intimate textures. The third movement, a playful Intermezzo, stands in sharp contrast with the darker, stormy finale. Throughout, Mendelssohn's mastery of counterpoint, vibrant thematic development, and dramatic contrasts make this quartet a remarkable example of early Romanticism. 
Sonem Quartet is a dynamic string quartet formed by young musicians from diverse backgrounds. Its members Theodore Kim, Uxue Medrano, Helena De Bruyn and Péter Massányi are united by their shared passion for exceptional music. Currently based at the Conservatorium Maastricht with the guidance of Kyoko Yonemoto and Mihai Cocea, we bring our unique perspectives together to create captivating performances that resonate with audiences. Our mission is to deliver high-quality music infused with energy and enthusiasm, inviting listeners to experience the joy and beauty of our art. We believe in the transformative power of music and strive to connect deeply with our audience, inviting them into our world through each piece we play. Join us on this journey as we share our love for music and connect through every note. 

Performers
Theodore Kim & Uxue Medrano López (violin) Helena De Bruyn (viola) and Péter Massányi (cello) 

Photo by Frank Hirschhausen.

Session 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Jeker Room - Junior Conservatorium Maastricht  Five Facets of Chopin - Akari Bastiaens (Piano solo)

Programme
J.S. Bach – Engelse suite no 2 in A-minor
Bouree I & II
F. Chopin – Mazurka op. 24 no 4
F. Chopin – Ballade no 2 op. 38
F. Liszt – Anneés de Pelerinage 
II. Supplément S.162
III. Tarantella

Programme notes
Dances and Tales have been a fruitful inspiration for composers throughout the history of music. Aside from Ballets and Operas, composers used dances and stories as inspiration for instrumental music. Bach, Chopin and Liszt are amongst these composers.
In this recital you will hear a selection of stories by these great composers that are inspired by dances and stories.
Akari Bastiaens, now 12 started playing the piano when she was three and a half years old. By now, she already gained a lot of stage experience in concerts, festivals and competition both as a soloist and with orchestra. Akari is a student of the Junior Conservatory Maastricht where she studies with Joop Celis. Her dream is to become a concert pianist, traveling the world and play on the most famous stages.

Performers
Akari Bastiaens (piano) 

Session 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Room 102 - Brassed off - Brass on the Maas (Brass quintet)

Programme
V.r Ewald-Brass Quintet no.1 
E. Crespo-Suite Americana 
I. Ragtime. 
III. Vals Peruano 

Programme notes
In this concert we will perform 2 original pieces for brass quintet. The first was composed in 1890 by Victor Ewal, a russian composer, engineer and architect. This piece was not published during Ewald's lifetime but was discovered by former bass trombonist of the Metropolitan Opera who was given the manuscripts by Ewalds's son in law.  
The next two movements that we will play are from the Suite Americana. Enrique Cresco was a composer from Uruguay and became known in Germany as a trombonist of German Brass. His Suite Americana is a tribute to South America and its dances although his composition techniques come from the European tradition.  
Both composers of this concert use their homelands as inspiration in their compositions. That is why we decided to play these two beautiful pieces for the Night of Classical Music. 
We are a new ensemble formed this year with the objective to play original repertoire for brass quintet that is new to us. 

Performers
Matthias Debrandere & Ramón Rodríguez Luque (trumpet)Natasha Dryden (horn) Lucas Moreno Ramirez (trombone) & Félix Maceda Lobato (bass trombone) 

Session 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Room 109 - Rachmaninoff's Preludes - Adriana Iglesias
(Piano solo) 

Programme
S. Rachmaninoff - Preludes Op 23 
5. Alla marcia in G minor. 
6. Andante in E flat major. 
7. Allegro in C minor. 
8, Allegro Vivace in A flat major 
9. Presto in E flat minor. 
10. Largo in G flat major. 

Programme notes
Born in Semyonovo (Russia) in 1873 and dying in California (USA) in 1943, Sergei Rachmaninoff was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor. His music is known for its Romantic expressiveness, rich harmonies, and complex textures. 
Like many composers, he wrote 24 preludes, one in each key. These preludes showcase his mastery of the Romantic style, technical virtuosity, and lyrical beauty. 
In addition to his famous Prelude in C-sharp Minor, he composed two sets of preludes: Opus 23 (between 1901 and 1903) and Opus 32 (in 1910). The Preludes of Opus 23 consist of 10 pieces and solidified his reputation as one of the greatest composers of his time. 
Adriana has begun a project to perform all 24 preludes. This year, she is studying Opus 23, marking the start of her journey in discovering Rachmaninoff's lyricism. 
Adriana Iglesias is a Spanish pianist whose passion for music has led her to devote her life to piano playing. Her greatest dream is to become a piano teacher, as she wants to share her love for music and piano with her students and help them develop their musical skills. 
She specializes in the Russian repertoire, particularly the works of Rachmaninoff, but she also explores other musical genres. She has participated in concerts dedicated to Russian music, performing pieces by Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev. 
Adriana has also attended several piano courses and received masterclasses from renowned pianists such as Alexander Gold, Constantin Sandú, Laura DiPaolo, Antonella Costa, and Viktoria Lakissova. 
Currently, she is studying with Katia Veekmans at the Conservatorium of Maastricht. She combines her passion for piano performance with her love of teaching. 

Performers
Adriana Iglesias Martínez (piano) 

Session 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Room 202 - Within Earth and Heart - Reed n’ Strings Duo
(Guitar and Saxophone) 

Programme
B. Bartók - Romanian Folk Dances; 
C. Farrell - The Shannon Suite  
   1st and 2nd movement; 
A. Piazzola - Adiós Nonino. 

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 program, 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 program 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 program 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 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Room 211 - Junior Conservatorium Maastricht  30 Minutes of Guitar Magic - Flint Lieverse (Guitar solo) 

Programme
H. Villa-Lobos  - Prélude No. 1 
A. Barrios Mangoré - Mazurka Apasionada 
A. Barrios Mangoré - Vals No. 3 
L. Brouwer - Études Simples  
J. Rodrigo - En Los Trigales 

Programme notes
I will play some of my favourite classical guitar pieces, all with Spanish or South American sounds. Every piece in this program contains beautiful melodies which I enjoy both playing and listening to. 
I am a 16-year-old classical guitarist, in my second year of the Junior Classical Department. Here, I take weekly guitar lessons from Roman Krejci. Every Saturday, you can find me at the conservatory where I attend music theory and piano classes. Besides working on my guitar skills, I am still in school (5 VWO). I am very grateful for the opportunity that the junior conservatory gave me to develop myself as a guitarist and I am excited to show what I am working on in this 30-minute performance. 

Performers
Flint Lieverse (guitar) 

Session 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Room 311 - Junior Conservatorium Maastricht - Zoi Degtiareva (Violin and Piano) 

Programme
Max Bruch - violin concerto No.1
I. Allegro moderato
II. Adagio
Henri Wieniawski - Polonaise Brillante No.2

Programme notes
I chose to perform Bruch’s Violin Concerto in A minor and Wieniawski’s Polonaise Brillante because these pieces inspire me with their beauty and depth. Bruch, who lived in the 19th century, composed his concerto with incredible lyricism and emotional intensity, allowing me to express myself through music. I love playing this piece because it makes me reflect on timeless values. Wieniawski’s Polonaise Brillante, written in the style of Polish folk dances, is a vibrant, virtuosic, and captivating composition. It conveys the freedom and energy of music. Wieniawski was not only a composer but also a remarkable violinist, and his music is a true gem in the violin repertoire. These works help me grow as a musician and share my emotions with the audience. 
Zoi Degtiareva (2013) was born into a musical family in Maastricht. Since the age of five, she has been a student at the Rotterdam Hellendaal Music Institute under Julia Dinerstein, and since 2021, she has been part of the Young Talent class at the Conservatorium Maastricht. At the age of seven, she also began piano lessons, followed by recorder and drum lessons.
At eight years old, Zoi was particularly inspired by talented young musicians performing with the Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra and said: "I want to become a musician too and perform on big stages with orchestras!"
Zoi is already highly active in music. She plays in the Limburg Youth Symphony Orchestra and performs at house concerts and in retirement homes. Despite her young age, she has won several international competitions, including:

• "Nouvelles Etoiles" (Paris, France)
• "GoodWin Art" (Moscow, Russia)
• "Aurora" (Stockholm, Sweden)
• "Global Genius Music Competition" (London, UK)
• "Grand Prize Virtuoso" (Brussels, Belgium)

She won in both violin and piano categories. Additionally, she has performed at the "Klassiek op het Amstelveld Festival" and the "Stage4Kids Festival" (Hamburg, Germany). Her most recent achievements include:

• Semi-finalist at the Concertgebouw Concours 2022
• Winner of "De Muziekwedstrijd" 2023
• Second prize at the "Britten Concours" (Zwolle, Netherlands, 2024)
• Winner of the London A Prize at the Netherlands Violin Competition 2024

Performers
Zoi Degtiareva (violin) & Andrea Boga Sanchez (piano) 

Session 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Room 312 - Forgetting the Atlantic - Amaní Duo (Guitar and flute)

Programme
C. Machado- Sambamar 
   2 Sambamar  
   4 Vamo nessa 
   6 Frevando na rua 
A. Sánchez López- Gocta 
L. Brouwer- Elegía por Cintio Vitier 

Programme notes
Y sé que aún tengo más recuerdos en la sangre  
de los que puedo recordar, y más olvido
 
del que puede olvidarse en este mundo. 
("And I know that I still have more memories in my blood than I can remember, and more forgetting than can be forgotten in this world.") 
Cintio Vitier  

During this program, three extraordinary worlds full of life and stories are explored. Brazil, through the suite 'Sambamar' by Celso Machado, with a selection of three of the pieces from the suite: II. Sambamar ; IV. Vamo Nessa; VI. Frevando na rua. Peru is discovered through the work of Agustín Sánchez López, ‘Gocta’, name of the third largest waterfall in Peru. And a journey to Cuba is made thanks to Leo Brouwer to pay tribute to the life and death of Cintio Vitier, Cuban thinker and writer.
These works aim to remember Latin American blood and turn the guitar and the flute into a memory of the distant continent on the other side of the Atlantic. 
Amaní Duo, formed by Agustín Sánchez Rubio (flute) and Marta Viloria Carretero (guitar), was born out of admiration for the rich sound of the combination of these two instruments. This formation, which throughout history has been one of the most appreciated for its balance and versatility, awakened in both the desire to explore and reinterpret its repertoire. This duo seeks to offer a new look at works that are perhaps not so often performed, but with a great musical richness. 

Performers
Marta Viloria Carretero (guitar) & Agustín Sánchez Rubio (flute) 

Session 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Room 318 - Winding Lines of the Hands - Marta Fonseca
(Guitar solo) 

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

Programme notes
Vicente Asencio – Collectici Intim
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.

Performers
Marta Fonseca (guitar) 

Session 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Matty Niël Hall - Sacred Lights - Ottovoci (Vocal ensemble) 

Programme
O. Messiaen, O Sacrum Convivium  (1937)
S. Carmona Murillo, Dissolving Into Infinity (2025)
Vocal Improvisation II
E. Elgar, Lux Aeterna, based on Enigma Variation ‘Nimrod’ op. 36,9 (1899)

Programme notes
With ‘Sacred Lights’, the vocal ensemble Ottovoci invites you on a journey through transcendent soundscapes, blending sacred choral music, avant-garde exploration, and improvisation. The program opens with a spontaneous vocal improvisation, highlighting the ensemble's creativity and dynamic expression. This flows into Olivier Messiaen's ‘O Sacrum Convivium’ (1937), a luminous work characterized by rich harmonies and profound stillness. A special highlight of the evening is the world premiere of ‘Dissolving into Infinity’ (2025) by composition student Sara Carmona Murillo, an intriguing work that explores humanity’s place in the universe through innovative vocal writing. The program culminates in Edward Elgar’s ‘Lux Aeterna’, an adaptation of the famous Nimrod variation from his ‘Enigma Variations’ (1899). With its timeless beauty and solemn grace, this iconic work closes the program with a poignant reflection on mourning and transcendence. Together, these works offer a powerful interplay of structured beauty and open-ended creativity, celebrating the profound emotional and expressive power of the human voice.
Ottovoci is, first and foremost, a group of friends united by a shared love of singing together. Our ensemble came into being when eight passionate singers from diverse backgrounds and nationalities discovered a common desire to explore and express the rich possibilities of the human voice. While our first concert focused on Caroline Shaw’s ‘Partita for 8 Voices’ (2012), tonight’s program deepens our exploration of the rich diversity of musical expression with vocal music by Messiaen, Elgar, and composition student Sara Carmona Murillo.

Performers
Nora Tarraf, Malena Hoffmann, Sarah Meyer, Luna Gräfin von Hardenberg, Dean Parker, Carlos G. Lázaro, Aljoscha Ristow & Bálint Vegh (vocal) 

Session 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Room 402 - Russian Spring - Anastasia Safonova (Piano solo)

Programme
 S. Rachmaninov (1873-1943) Preludes 
Op.32 No.10 in b-minor
Op.32 No.5 in G-Major
Op.23 No.3 in d-minor
Op.23 No.2 in Bes-Major
P.I. Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Lullaby in as- minor op.16 No 1 
arr. Pabst

Programme notes
Anastasia Safonova is a Russian/Dutch pianist renowned for her musical depth, poetic expression, and captivating energy. She began her professional career at 12, performing Mendelssohn’s Concerto with the Moscow Youth Orchestra. She studied at the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music and earned a Master of Music degree from the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.
A laureate of prestigious competitions, including first prizes at the Yuri Egorov International and Yamaha Music Competitions, Safonova has performed extensively across Europe, Asia, and Russia. Her festival appearances include Schleswig-Holstein (Germany), Bourglinster (Luxembourg), and Grachtenfestival (Netherlands), among others.
Her recordings feature chamber music and solo works, including her acclaimed solo CD “Vol vers l’étoile” (Et’cetera Records, 2022), awarded a perfect 10 by Dutch music magazine Luister. She teaches at the Conservatory of Maastricht and participates in unique interdisciplinary projects, one of which earned personal recognition from the Dutch Royal House.

Performers
 Anastasia Safonova

Session 2 - 19:45 - 20:15 - Room 408 -  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 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Willem Hijstek Hall - Timeless dialogues - Four Paths, One Sound (Piano quartet) 

Programme
G. Mahler Piano Quartet  
R. Schumann Piano quartet 3rd and 4th movements 

Programme notes
Mahler’s quartet is youthful and exploratory, while Schumann’s is a refined example of Romantic chamber music at its peak. Both highlight their composers’ emotional depth and technical skill. 
Brilliant, expressive, and dynamic Violin,  
Warm, nuanced, and soulful Viola 
Young, passionate and lyrical Cello  
Elegant, precise, and versatile Piano 
All of this and much more by “ Four Paths- One Sound” 

Performers
Kyoko Yonemoto (violin) Mihai Cocea (viola) Mikayel Voskanyan (cello) & Anastasia Goldberg (piano) 

Session 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Jeker Room - Three Voices, Two Universes - Alma Trio (Piano trio) 

Programme
W. von Baussnern - Serenade for Violin, Clarinet and Piano 
   1. Ruhig 
I. Gotkovsky - Trio Pour Violon, Clarinette Et Piano 

Programme notes
Waldemar von Baussnern was a German composer known for his innovative approach to form and expression during the late Romantic and early 20th-century period. Though less famous than his contemporaries, Baussnern's music often experiments with blending rich Romantic traditions and forward-thinking harmonic language. 
The Serenade Trio in E-flat Major exemplifies his knack for crafting intimate and vibrant chamber music. The combination of clarinet, violin, and piano creates a uniquely colorful palette, with moments of lyrical interplay, sparkling textures, and understated drama. The work unfolds with a delightful balance of elegance and depth, inviting listeners into an expressive world that is both captivating and refreshing. 
This rarely performed gem is a testament to Baussnern’s inventive spirit, making it a highlight of any chamber music program. 
Ida Gotkovsky is a French composer with a prolific body of work, of which her chamber music is particularly known for its contribution to woodwind repertoire. Gotkovsky came from a musical family and began composing at the age of eight and went on to study with Olivier Messaien and Nadia Boulanger in Paris. She has subsequently earned six prestigious first prizes in France including the Lily Boulanger Prize, as well as three prizes from the Institut de France and a Golden Rose award in the United States. 
The Trio consists of one movement, a sweeping and rhapsodic work full of passion and drama with impressionistic overtones. It was written for the Verdehr Trio and first performed by them in 1986. Gotkovsky writes: “It is a highly lyrical piece, which offers a broad and warm musical development for each instrument through virtuoso techniques. The contrasts of colors and of atmospheres and the rigor of form give great scope to each instrument. This work is a synthesis of the concerto form which has established itself in the repertoire of chamber music.” 
Alma Trio consists of Maria Sá (piano), Minami Sato (violin) and Ruth Harris (clarinet), who met at Conservatorium Maastricht where they each follow the Master programme. In September 2024 they decided to play together and explore the repertoire for this ensemble, alongside coach Roeland Hendrickx. Their shared curiosity has brought them to discover lesser-known works which they feel deserve to be heard in the concert setting. 

Performers
Maria Sá (piano) Minami Sato (violin) & Ruth Harris (clarinet) 

Session 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Room 102 -  Away at sea - Anthony Bastos (Vocal ensemble) 

Programme
Traditional sailors shanty’s and songs inspired by the sea. 
   Rio Grande  
   The Dreadnought  
   Barrett’s privateers  
   Fathom the bowl  
   Pique la baleine  
   Bones in the ocean 
   Sam’s gone away 
   Bully in the Alley 

Programme notes
Why is there still such an attraction to sea shanties today?  
Well, surely because they remind us of a world that appears to us to be long gone now : back then the average sailor did not know what he would find on the other side of the sea before crossing it, the world seemed bigger, more magical, more dangerous too. The working conditions were also brutal, and music allowed each sailor to put all that on hold for a few minutes.  
Also and finally, these songs, anonymous and distorted by the power of time, are multicultural creations, forged over the decades by thousands of ordinary men.  
They are forgotten today, but their sea shanties, no ; and that is something that deserve to be celebrated.  
Come join us in a moment of joyful and uninhibited singing. 
Devon Baird, Dimitri Christoforou and Anthony Bastos met at Conservatorium Maastricht during their singing studies. For this performance they will join their forces, and their baritone and bass voices, to express the strong sentiments of maritime music. 

Performers
Anthony Bastos, Dimitri Christoforou & Devon Baird (vocal) 

Session 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Room 109 -  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 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Room 202 -  Windy Folk - Undique Quintet (Wind quintet) 

Programme
A. Piazzola - La muerte del ángel  
G. Ligeti - 6 Bagatells 
Paquito de Rivera - Aires Tropicales  
   I. Alborada 
   II. Son 
   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 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Room 211 -  Polyphony and Virtuosity - Sara Valencia Villeta (Violin solo) 

Programme
J.S. Bach: Sonata for violin solo in G minor Nº1 BWV 1001  
   I. Adagio 
   II. Fuga 
   III. Siciliana 
   IV. Presto 
N. Paganini: Caprice for solo violin Op. 1 Nº 14  
N. Paganini: Caprice for solo violin Op. 1 Nº 11 
N. Paganini: Caprice for solo violin Op. 1 Nº 15 

Programme notes
In this concert you will discover the possibilities and multiple versatility of the violin as an unaccompanied instrument. 
The first piece is the marvellous first sonata for solo violin of J. S. Bach, one of the jewelleries of the baroque repertoire ever written for violin. You will enjoy listening in the violin several voices at the same time which is not very common in this instrument, which is mostly a melodic instrument. It´s conformed by four different movements (Slow - Fast- Slow- Fast) following the structure of the “sonata da chiesa”.  
After this monumental piece, the concert will continue with a selection of caprices composed by the most virtuosic violinist of all times: Niccolò Paganini. In each caprice, you will listen to different advance violin techniques such as fast chords, staccato, very big jumps in the left hand, uncomfortable double stops, etc.  
We hope you enjoy the concert!  

Sara Valencia Villeta was born in Madrid (Spain) on December 1999. She began playing aged four, being her violin teachers: Emilio Maravella (up to 2009), María Sáiz (2009-2010), Anna Baget (2010-2016) concluding her professional studies with the End of Degree Award, and Sergey Teslya (2016-2017). She has studied in Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid at the chair of Professor Marco Rizzi (2017-2021) and at the chair of Professor Christoph Poppen and his assistant Miguel Colom (2021-2023) being awarded the most outstanding student of their class in the academic year 2022-2023. From September of 2023 she is under the guidance of Professor Boris Belkin in Maastricht Conservatorium. 
She had received Master Classes from: Christian Tetzlaff, Boris Kuschnir, Mihaela Martin, Miriam Fried, Silvia Marcovici, Krzysztof Wegrzyn, Mariana Todorova, Linus Roth, Mari Tampere, Vera Martínez, Avri Levitan, Keiko Wataya, Agustín León Ara, Albor Rosenfeld, Oliver Wille, Cibrán Sierra, Erzhan Kulibaev, Christoph Poppen and Giovanni Guzzo, among others. She also had received Master Classes of Chamber Music from: Ralf Gothoni, Alexander Lonquich and “Guarneri Trio Prague”.    
She has offered numerous concerts as a soloist in different concert halls in Spain, as well as in France, Switzerland, Holland and Scotland. Among her performances as Soloist with Orchestra they are noteworthy: “Vivaldi´s Spring” in the Chamber Hall of Auditorio Nacional de Música of Madrid (2011), “Bach Double Violin Concerto” in Teatro Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial (2015), “Beethoven´s Triple Concerto” in the Symphony Hall of Auditorio Nacional de Música of Madrid (2016), “Mozart Violin Concerto nº 3” in Auditorio Caja de Música del Palacio de Cibeles of Madrid (2017) and the tour in Madrid and Santander as a soloist of the Camerata Viesgo playing “Vivaldi Concerto for 4 Violins in D Major” under the baton of Ivan Monighetti (December 2019). Regarding Recitals accompanied by a Pianist, they highlight: her tour of five recitals in Teatro Jovellanos of Gijón, Auditorio Casa Municipal de Cultura Avilesina, Casa de Valencia of Madrid, Teatro Filarmónica of Oviedo and Palacio del Marqués de Santa Cruz of Ciudad Real (2015); her recital in the Sala Solé of Barcelona (2016); the recital in La Quinta de Mahler of Madrid (2018); her recital at EYM 2018 in the Festival Theatre of Edinburgh (2018); her recital in Ruinekerk , Holland (2019);  her recital tours in Andalucía and León organised by Juventudes Musicales de España (2019); her recital in Fundación Amyc (2019);  her participation in the XXXI y XXXII  editions of “Clásicos en Verano” of Madrid giving several recitals with piano (2018 and 2019), and her recital in Seville organised by Juventudes Musicales de Sevilla (2021), among others.  
Sara has been awarded at several prizes, both national and international. Among them, the following stand out: Third Prize in the Excellence Category and Audience Award at the  2ème Concours International de Violon “Marie Cantagrill” held in Saint-Lizier, France; First Prize and Special Price Recitals in the Philharmonic Society’s of Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés, at the XVI “Villa de Llanes” International Violin Competition and Semifinalist in the “Eurovision Young Musicians 2018” Contest in Edinburgh, representing Spain. 
Finally, just mention that Sara has participated in different TV programs of La 1 and La 2 of TVE, in different radio programs of Radio Clásica of RNE and in BBC Arts of BBC, among other channels.                                    

Performers
Sara Valencia (violin) 

Session 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Room 311 -  Do-fa Quartal Harmony - Fasbi Muhammed (Piano solo)

Programme
Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969) - Piano Sonata no. 2
Maestoso-Agitato
Largo
Toccata
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) – from Miroirs
III. Une Barque sur l’océan

Programme notes
In 1953,  Bacewicz Grażyna premiered the Sonata no. 2 for piano by herself. This sonata contains an intricate melting point between traditional Polish music and dances, quartal harmony, dodecaphonic, and also the classic sonata-form from the 19th century. The first movement maps a straightforward Sonata-Allegro form where there is a theme introduced and later restated. The slow movement displays a rather radical harmonic language, ostinato, and a fugato session before ends. The piece concluded with a Toccata in style of traditional Polish dance Oberek in some form of sonata-from, while maintaining the music in quartal harmony and dodecaphonic realms.
Ravel’s five-movement suite for piano Miroirs, displays rich sound effects coming from elments and references of nature such as bird songs, ocean, and wind creating the visual imagery of each suite. For example, the sound of chapel bells in a hill blown by the wind breeze in the fifth movement and the calm music full of chromaticism creating the night ambiance from the first movement. Une barque sur l’océan suggests a picture of a sailor at the shore staring the ocean. The calmness, brisk, stormy, and floating effect flows throughout the entire movement—the main tune restated in.
Fasbi Yusuf is an Indonesian pianist based in Maastricht, Netherlands. A Puerto Rico Collaborative Piano Festival Competition and Indonesia Piano Competition awardee, he has been actively performing since starting to learn music late during middle school. Holding a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, he is currently pursuing master's degree in piano performance at Conservatorium Maastricht. Within a semester of attending master's degree, he serves as a pianist, harpsichordist, and celestist for Trio Harmonia, Zuyd Baroque Ensemble, and Nefelibata New Music Collective. Born and raised in Central Java, his active presence in his homeland's uprising classical music scene fruited him his opportunity to become a soloist for Classical Hugs Orchestra, Yayasan Musik Jakarta Orchestra, and Volare Chamber Orchestra, performing before The British Embassy in Jakarta, Carnegie Hall in New York, and other stages prior formal musical training. 

Performers
Fasbi Muhammed

Session 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Room 312 -  From Spain to France - Duo Lumiere (Piano and cello)

Programme
M. De Falla - Siete canciones populares españolas 
   El Paño Moruno 
   Cançion 
G. Fauré - Berceuse Op. 16 
G. Fauré - Après un rêve 
G. Fauré - Sicilienne Op. 78 
H. Villa-Lobos - Bachianas brasileiras - No. 5 
M. De Falla - La Vida Breve, Danse 

Programme notes
Our program aims to bring out the different characteristics of both our instruments, so similar but so different. You will hear sweet and romantic melodies, highlighted from the warm sound of the cello and you will also hear popular melodies accentuated by the guitar timbre which will make you want to dance. 
Duo Lumiere was formed this year by Alice (guitarist) and Federica (cellist) 
Alice Zhongyue Hu studied at Reggio Emilia's conservatory with the guidance of Maestro Francesco Moccia and she graduated with the highest mark with honors. She's now studying at the Conservatorium of Maastricht with Maestro Carlo Marchione. In the 2024 summer she attended the summer courses of Accademia Chigiana with the teacher E. Fisk for guitar and D. Krakauer e K. Tagg for "Innovation in chamber music". 
One of the last awards won was the first place at "France Music Competition". Overall she also has many chamber music performance through all Italy. 
Federica Di Gioia studied and brilliantly graduated at Milano's conservatory under the guidance of Maestro Christian Bellisario. She also attended the chamber music masterclass held by Maestro Honggang Li and after that she went to study at the conservatory of Novara with the teacher Andrea Scacchi. During her studies she had the occasion to perform in Italy and Austria with orchestras like Orchestra sinfonica di Milano, Orchestra da camera “Canova”, Orchestra giovanile europea e Orchestra femminile del Mediterraneo; lots of the performances includes chamber music. She's currently studying at the Conservatorium of Maastricht with Maestro  Gabriel Schwabe. 

Performers
Alice Zhongyue Hu (piano) & Federica Di Gioia (cello) 

Session 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Room 318 -  Horizons and Lyricism - Tésseris Ensemble
(Wind quartet)

Programme
A. Rubstov, "Flowers of the sun" (Quartet for 4 flutes) 
A. Piazzola, "Oblivion" 
F. Mendelsohn, Scherzo op. 61 from "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" 
R. Korsakov, "The flight of the Bumble Bee" 

Programme notes
The repertoire can be understood as a musical journey that explores universal emotions (ranging from lightness to introspection), soundscapes (nature, dreams, passion), and diverse cultures, all connected by a dynamism that flows through each piece.   
A voyage that takes the audience through dreams, memories, landscapes, and timeless emotions. 
Tésseris Ensemble is a flute quartet formed in September 2024, composed of flutists from different regions of Spain who met in Maastricht. The name "Tésseris" refers to the union of four elements, reflecting the geographical and musical diversity of its members. The project arose from a shared desire to make music together in a playful and enriching way, both for the musicians and the audience. With a focus on enjoyment and artistic development, Tésseris Ensemble aims to grow as a group and explore future musical projects. 

Performers
Marta Pavía Díez, Sara Lorenzo González, Lucía Soler García & Agustín Sánchez Rubio (flute) Adrià Fort Noguera (percussion) 

Session 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Matty Niël Hall -  Project Leaders' Cabaret - 2A&T (Piano and Vocal) 

Programme
K. Weill - Eifersuchtsduett from 'Die Dreigroschenoper' 
J. Heggie - Animal Passion 
W. Bolcom - Toothbrush Time 
B. Moore - Sexy Lady 
W. Bolcom - Amor 
F. Lehár - Hör' ich Cymbalklänge (Czardas) from 'Zigeunerliebe' 
F. Lehár - Meine Lippen Sie küssen so heiß from 'Giuditta' 
J. Offenbach - Barcarolle from 'Les Contes d'Hoffmann' 

Programme notes
Since working together at Conservatorium Maastricht, Teodora Drozdik-Popović and Anna Mathioudaki have found in each other an affinity for comic storytelling, theatricality, and the shared desire to 'put on a great show.' With the support of Ariadna Ruiz Ruiz on piano, the two project leaders of Conservatorium Maastricht are delighted to present this program blending cabaret, opera, and operetta styles, that moves between biting satire, heartfelt romance, and playful wit. 
Greek soprano Anna Mathioudaki, Serbian mezzo-soprano Teodora Drozdik-Popović, and Spanish pianist Ariadna Ruiz Ruiz are all multi-faceted artists with extensive experience in the performing arts both on and offstage. Coming together with a common love of music drama, the three musicians, based in Maastricht, warmly present their new program, "The Project Leaders' Cabaret." 

Performers
Anna Mathioudaki (soprano) Teodora Drozdik-Popović (mezzo-soprano) & Ariadna Ruiz Ruiz (piano) 

Session 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Room 402 -  Junior Conservatorium Maastricht Schubert 
Sonata D958 - Huayu Gu (Piano solo) 

Programme
F. Schubert - Sonata D958 

Programme notes
Huayu Gu (15 jaar) begon op zevenjarige leeftijd met pianospelen. Kort na een jaar ging ze studeren aan de Junior Classical Department (jongtalentenklas) van het Conservatorium van Maastricht. Daar studeert ze piano bij prof. Joop Celis en Alejandro Serena Llinares. 

Performers
Huayu Gu (piano) 

Session 3 - 20:30 - 21:00 - Room 408 -  Suzy Inner Landscapes - Suzy (Piano quintet)

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.

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Willem Hijstek Hall - Brazilian Rhythm - Star Brass (Brass ensemble) 

Programme
Various artists - Suite "Brazilian surprises" 

Programme notes
The program of this concert will be taken entirely from Brazilian tradition, with arrangements written especially for a brass ensemble. 
The music of Brazil encompasses various regional musical styles influenced by European, American, African and Amerindian forms; it developed some unique and original styles such as forró, repente, coco de roda, axé, samba, bossa nova, choro, maracatu, frevo, brega and modinha. 
All these genres are influenced a lot by the original native American music but unfortunately we don't know very much about the music before the area's first encounter with Portuguese explorers on 22 April 1500. During the colonial period, documents detail the musical activities of the major Roman Catholic cathedrals and the parlors of the upper classes, but data about musical life outside these domains are sparse. Some information is available in writings left by such travellers as Jean de Léry, who lived in Brazil from 1557 to 1558 and produced the first known transcriptions of native American music: two chants of the Tupinambá, near Rio de Janeiro. 
Star Brass is a group recently born from the class of Brass Ensemble of prof. Will Sanders in the conservatorium of Maastricht; it was created with the aim of bringing the brass repertoire into concert halls and to introduce the audience to the musical capacities of this type of ensemble outside the orchestral repertoire. 
The group is formed by some students from bachelor and master courses of the conservatorium coordinated by prof. Sanders. 

Performers
Matthias Debrabandere, Ramòn Rodrìguez Luque, Nazar Chybrisov & Fabrizio Delle Vedove (trumpet) Maria Arrocha Rojas, Natasha Dryden Silva, Alessandro Lago, Jork Coenen & Uangmo Tenzin Salguero (horn)Lucas Moreno Ramìrez (trombone), Borja Ruiz Gòmez (trombone)

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Jeker Room - Dreams in Sound and Vision - Li & Berghuis
(Piano duo)

Programme
Shenandoah Berghuis: 
L. van Beethoven - Sonate No. 1 Op. 2 No. 1 in f minor 
   1. Allegro 
   2. Adagio 
S. Rachmaninov - Moment musicaux Op. 16 No. 4 in e minor 
Jiayi Li: 
F. Liszt-Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor 
Wang Jianzhong -The Red Blossoms of the Shandan Flower 

Programme notes
We are both piano students at the Maastricht Conservatorium (bachelor 2 and master 2) and we liked to create a program together. 
In this program we will both play a few works, from the classical era to the romantic period and also a Chinese folk piece with impressionistic colours. We really hope you enjoy!  
While we play, some pieces will have a video version with our playing, suggesting a dreamlike journey through music and visuals that inspires imagination. Reimagined with visuals, creating a multi-sensory storytelling experience. 
We are Jiayi Li (master 2) and Shenandoah Berghuis (bachelor 2). Tonight we will create a program for you together. 
About Jiayi Li: She has performed as an invited artist for major piano manufacturers, including KAWAI, KURZWEIL, and CASIO.  She won awards at the New York Rondo Young Artist Music Competition and the 7th Nuova Coppa International Competition in Osimo, Italy. She was invited by the People’s Music Publishing House to record the demonstration CD for China’s examination textbooks. Her concert experience spans over 20 cities in China and has been featured in over 50 Chinese media outlets. She studied at the Tchaikovsky Central Music School at age 12, continued her education at the Mannes School of Music at age 16, and is now pursuing her graduate studies at the Maastricht Conservatory. 
Shenandoah started to take lessons at age 12, and in 2023 she continued the piano study at Conservatorium Maastricht. She has played in a symphonic youth orchestra as a pianist for 1,5 years and in chamber music, worked together with singers, a hornist, strings and quatre-mains. In 2019 she won the incentive prize during the PianoFest competition and in 2022 another incentive prize at the Princes Christina Competition. 

Performers
Jiayi Li  & Shenandoah Berghuis (piano) 

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Room 102 - Vienna Street with Mexican Air - HE Jinhua (Guitar solo) 

Programme
M. Ponce - Petite Suite Antique 
   I. Prelude 
   II. Ballet 
   III. Courante 
M. Giuliani - Sonatina, Op. 71 No.3 
   I. Andantino sostenuto 
   II. Tempo di marcia & Trio 
   III. Scherzo con moto & Trio 
   IV. Finale (Rondo) 

Programme notes
The first suite is by 20th century Mexican composer Manuel Ponce, written in Baroque style but still smells light and lively with a sense of Mexican folks. The second sonatina was published in Vienna in 1816, written by Italian composer Mauro Giuliani, with a little lovely singing first movement, a march as second, an onward scherzo as third, and a brilliant rondo as finale. Overall it's a light and pleasant program, suitable for such an event. 
HE Jinhua (何 锦骅), a Chinese classical guitarist born in October 2002, started his musical journey with a traditional Chinese musical instrument Zhu Di (竹笛, bamboo flute). He got his first guitar at age of 10 and began to play classical guitar at 17. Before August 2022, He studied guitar playing by himself. After that, he has studied with LIU Shanghai (刘 声豪) and LIU Xianji (刘 宪绩). Currently he is studying at Conservatorium Maastricht with Carlo Marchione and Roman Krejci, receiving NL-Zuyd Excellence Scholarship. Before going to conservatory, he has received one year of liberal arts education in Duke Kunshan University and graduated from the science class of Shanghai Gezhi High School (上海市格致中学). Last year it was mentioned that he is a Chinese calligraphy artist and got a full mark in physics in Gaokao (高考, the cruel college entrance examination in China). This year he wants to add that he is also skillful in making coffee and egg fried rice. 

Performers
Jinhua He (Guitar) 

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Room 109 - Perfect Fantasy - Rozálie Stoklasová (Piano solo) 

Programme
W.A. Mozart – Piano Sonata No.2 in F major, K.280 
   I.Allegro assai 
   II.Adagio 
   III.Presto 
A. Scriabin – Sonata-Fantasy No.2 Op.19 
   I. Andante 
F. Chopin – Etude Op.10 No.4 

Programme notes
Mozart is often said to be one of the main composers of the Classical period. His Piano Sonata No.2 in F major stands out for its clarity, lively character, and precision.  
On the contrary, Scriabin´s Piano Sonata No.2, composed in 1898, is significant for its romantic expressivity and mysterious character. Its impressionistic melodies will guide us to a fantastic world where nothing is real. 
Since Scriabin was an admirer of Chopin´s music, the last piece of the performance is dedicated to him. Enjoy the brilliant passages and emotional tension of Etude op.10 No.4 “Torrent“.  
Rozálie Stoklasová is a classical solo pianist and chamber musician. In 2024 she was awarded "The IAFM Köln Award" in "The IAFM Cologne International Piano Competition".  
She had an opportunity to perform in famous European cities such as Madrid and Vienna. Nowadays, she focuses on recitals in The Netherlands and in the Czech Republic. Besides her solo career, is Rozálie passionate about teaching.  
Rozálie is currently studying piano at the Conservatorium Maastricht under the guidance of Prof. Katia Veekmans. She intends to teach intensively during her studies and in the future organize public concerts for a wider audience. 

Performers
Rozálie Stoklasová (piano) 

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Room 202 - That's All Folks - Irse Trio (Woodwind Trio)

Programme
E. McGuire - Celtic Knotwork (1990) 
A. Dvorák - Bagatelles, Op.47 mvt. 1 - Allegretto scherzando 
V. Meza - Quisiera Decirte (2012) 
B. Bartók - Romanian Folk Dances, Sz.68 
   1. Joc cu bâtǎ. Allegro moderato 
   2. Brâul. Allegro 
   3. Pê-loc. Andante 
   4. Buciumeana. Moderato 
   5. Poargǎ româneascǎ. Allegro 
   6. Mǎrunţel. L'istesso 
   7. Mǎrunţel. Allegro vivace 
F. García Lorca - Canciones Españolas Antiguas (1961) no 7. El café de chinitas 

Programme notes
Our program today offers a journey through diverse musical traditions, all deeply connected to the roots of their composers and performers, with a modern perspective on folk, popular, and chamber music. It celebrates the cultural richness that unites regions from Celtic lands to Eastern Europe, and from Spanish to Latin American music. The journey begins with a piece by Scottish composer Edward McGuire, inspired by Celtic art. Next, a movement from Dvořák’s work, based on the Czech folk song “Hrály dudy u Pobudy,” follows. We then move to Latin America with Quisiera Decirte by Costa Rican composer Vinicio Meza, originally written for trombone quartet. The program continues with Béla Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, based on Transylvanian folk tunes. Finally, the journey concludes in Andalucía with a Lorca poem harmonized by the poet himself, depicting the dramatic duel between two bullfighters at the Café de Chinitas. 
Irse Trio borns in November 2024 with the aim of presenting works that escape from the canonical repertoire to which we are all accustomed. It is formed by the flutist Lucía Viana Camacho (Spain), and the clarinetists Elena Loaiza Román (Costa Rica) and Carlos Lázaro (Spain). One could say that a formation like ours limits the type of repertoire that can be played, but we simply see this as an opportunity to get rid of all ties, make artistic decisions with freedom and demonstrate that the message of the work prevails in spite of everything. 

Performers
Lucía Viana Camacho (flute) Elena Loaiza Román & Carlos González Lázaro (clarinet) 

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Room 211 - The enigmatic perfectionist - Trio Andrade (Piano trio) 

Programme
M. Ravel - Piano trio m.67 
   1. Modéré 
   2. Pantoum. Assez vif 
   3. Passacaille. Très large 
   4. Final. Animé 

Programme notes
A parting from innocense just before the outbreak of a world war… 
The Andrade trio got together 2 years ago, the connecties link is the Maastricht Conservatory . All  three members studied there and Kyoko became violin professor there, Constant became corepetitor, Luis works as conductor and cellist in the Phion Orchestra 

Performers
Kyoko Yonemoto (violin) Luis Andrade (cello) & Constant Notten (piano) 

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Room 311 - Junior Conservatorium Maastricht Milestones for a cellist - Hendrik De Ryck (Cello and Piano) 

Programme
A. Dvorak - From the Bohemian Forest, Op.68
5. Waldesruhe
J. Haydn - Cello Concerto in C major Hob.VIIb:1
1. Moderato
2. Adagio
3. Finale. Allegro Molto

Programme notes
Milestones for a cellist reflects the journey of a young musician reaching significant achievements in their artistic development.  At just 14, the cellist embraces two timeless works - Dvorak's Waldesruhe, a lyrical and contemplative gem, and Haydn´s Cello Concerto in C, a technically demanding masterpiece.  These pieces symbolize key milestones: poetic expression and virtuosic mastery,  showcasing a young artist´s dedication and growth. This recital is not just a performance but a celebration of progress, talent, and the beauty of musical dicovery. Each note marks a step forward, resonating with promise and passion.
Born in 2011, Hendrik began playing the cello at the age of 4 and quickly showed exceptional talent. At 10, he won the 2nd prize in the Young Soloist Competition and joined the Amsterdam Conservatory´s Young Talent Department. Since 2023, he has been a private student of Paul Heyman and he joined Prof. G. Rivinius´ class at the Maastricht Conservatory. Hendrik has performed at festivals like Ocrum Muziek Festival, Averbode Klassiek, and debuted as a soloist with the Britten String Orchestra in 2023. He has won several first prizes in competitions, including the Britten cello competition, where he was praised for his expressive, storytelling artistry. He has participated in masterclasses with renowned cellists such as Gregor Horsch and Olsi Leka.

Performers
Hendrik De Ryck (cello) & Andrea Boga Sanchez (piano)

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Room 312 - Star-crossed lovers - Dúo Almacre (Piano and violin)

Programme
S. Prokofiev - "Romeo and Juliet" (arr.Lidia Baich/Fletzberger/Borisovsky) 
   1. Introduction 
   2. Juliet
   3. Dance of the Knights
   4. Balkony-Scene 
   5. Dance of the Couples

Programme notes
Combining different arrangements, this concerts goes through the 5 days (Introduction + 5 movements) of tragedy where the story of these two young lovers is told.  
The story of these 'star-crossed lovers', as he calls them in his prologue, was already very popular when Shakespeare wrote 'Romeo and Juliet'. His narrative is based on a long poem by Arthur Brooke, which in turn was inspired by a popular story. 
We could say that this is an 'if only' kind of tragedy. If only Juliet had gone with Romeo when he was banished; if only the letter informing Romeo that Juliet had taken a sleeping potion hadn't gone astray; if only Juliet had awoken from her apparent death a few minutes earlier. 
The plot of the novel is based on the rivalry between two families "both equal in dignity" - the Montagues, the family to which Romeo belongs, and the Capulets, Juliet's family. 
The action takes place over five days. The theme of romantic love is introduced by Benvolio’s account of how Romeo has been moping around alone in the early morning. The women he loves at this stage of the play is Rosaline – who never appears. Cheering up a bit and with his friends, they decided to gate-crash a torch-lit ball in the Capulet’s house, where he will have his first contact with Juliet. 
The second act contains the most memorable scene: Romeo goes to the Capulet garden and talks to his beloved on the balcony. After confessing their feelings, they swear their love is so faithful that they are capable of rejecting their families. 
Following death and a secret wedding, Juliet takes a potion to fake her death and escape her family. Romeo appears and, thinking Juliet is dead, kills himself. Juliet wakes up, sees her beloved dead and ends her life, thus ending the tragedy. 
Artistic symbiosis is born in the most hidden places and at the most unexpected moments. Ariadna and Vasco met in a canteen in Bonnefantenstraat 15, talking about music one afternoon, where they realised that they had similar passions and visions about music. That stayed in their heads, and in time Ariadna invited Vasco to join her quartet (clarinet, violin, cello and piano) and from there new ensembles emerged where they played together: a sextet, a trio, a chamber orchestra... Their synchronicity became clearer and clearer and it was there that the Duo Almacre was born. Almacre is the combination of ‘almagre’ (ES) and ‘ocre’ (PT), a primitive reddish pigment that happens to be the combination of orange and violet, two colours that always inspired Vasco and Ariadna, and this pigment being the colour of the first human plastic representations in caves; the origin, cave painting.  
In order to bring together the voices of the past and the present, this duo performs music from all times, seeking to put their ‘Alma’ (Soul), their own voice, into it.  
During the 2024/25 season they performed both in The Netherlands and Portugal and they will play on stage in Spain and Germany for the following season. 

Performers
Vasco Sequeira (violin) & Ariadna Ruiz Ruiz (piano) 

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Room 318 - Rachmaninoff's Preludes - Adriana Iglesias (Piano solo)

Programme
S. Rachmaninoff - Preludes Op 23 
   5. Alla marcia in G minor. 
   6. Andante in E flat major. 
   7. Allegro in C minor. 
   8, Allegro Vivace in A flat major 
   9. Presto in E flat minor. 
   10. Largo in G flat major. 

Programme notes
Born in Semyonovo (Russia) in 1873 and dying in California (USA) in 1943, Sergei Rachmaninoff was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor. His music is known for its Romantic expressiveness, rich harmonies, and complex textures. 
Like many composers, he wrote 24 preludes, one in each key. These preludes showcase his mastery of the Romantic style, technical virtuosity, and lyrical beauty. 
In addition to his famous Prelude in C-sharp Minor, he composed two sets of preludes: Opus 23 (between 1901 and 1903) and Opus 32 (in 1910). The Preludes of Opus 23 consist of 10 pieces and solidified his reputation as one of the greatest composers of his time. 
Adriana has begun a project to perform all 24 preludes. This year, she is studying Opus 23, marking the start of her journey in discovering Rachmaninoff's lyricism. 
Adriana Iglesias is a Spanish pianist whose passion for music has led her to devote her life to piano playing. Her greatest dream is to become a piano teacher, as she wants to share her love for music and piano with her students and help them develop their musical skills. 
She specializes in the Russian repertoire, particularly the works of Rachmaninoff, but she also explores other musical genres. She has participated in concerts dedicated to Russian music, performing pieces by Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev. 
Adriana has also attended several piano courses and received masterclasses from renowned pianists such as Alexander Gold, Constantin Sandú, Laura DiPaolo, Antonella Costa, and Viktoria Lakissova. 
Currently, she is studying with Katia Veekmans at the Conservatorium of Maastricht. She combines her passion for piano performance with her love of teaching. 

Performers
Adriana Iglesias Martínez (piano)

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Matty Niël Hall - Voice for the Viola - Helena De Bruyn (Viola and Piano) 

Programme
R. Clarke - Sonata for Viola and Piano 
   I. Impetuoso 
   II. Vivace 
   III. Adagio - Allegro 

Programme notes
Rebecca Clarke’s Sonata for Viola and Piano (1919) is one of the most beloved and significant works in the viola repertoire. The work remains a testament to Clarke's exceptional skill as both a composer and a performer. Composed during a period of intense personal and professional reflection, this sonata combines technical brilliance with deep emotional expressiveness. Clarke, a viola player herself, knows as no other how to bring out the warmth and depth of her instrument. The Sonata is filled with contrasts. Going from the dramatic intensity of the opening Impetuoso to the lyrical beauty of the second movement. Clarke showcases the viola’s ability to sing with both tenderness and power. The final movement, is a lively and rhythmic conclusion, full of energy and vibrant dialogue between the two instruments. Clarke’s remarkable use of contrapuntal textures, bold harmonic choices, and the interplay between the viola and piano create a rich, complex sound world. The Sonata for Viola and Piano is not only a striking example of early 20th-century music but also a defining work that has helped to elevate the viola as a solo instrument in its own right. 
Helena De Bruyn is a young viola player born and raised in Belgium. She started playing the viola at the age of 11 with Manon Vervaet. Helena has a passion for sharing the stage with others, this translates in many chamber music and orchestra projects. She is a welcome guest in various professional orchestras such as Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen and Casco Phil. She gained experience in many (inter)national youth orchestras both as a principal viola player and in a tutti position. She is a welcome guest in chamber music festivals in Belgium and The Netherlands and has shared the stage with musicians from all over the world. As a soloist she regularly performs in Belgium, The Netherlands and Italy bringing the hidden gems if the viola repertoire to a broad audience. Currently, she is pursuing her bachelor degree at Conservatorium Maastricht with Julia Dinerstein. 

Performers
Helena De Bruyn (viola) & Erwin Deleux (piano) 

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Room 402 -  JCM Dancing Tales - Akari Bastiaens (Piano solo)

Programme
J.S. Bach – Engelse suite no 2 in A-minor
Bouree I & II
F. Chopin – Mazurka op. 24 no 4
F. Chopin – Ballade no 2 op. 38
F. Liszt – Anneés de Pelerinage II. Supplément S.162
III. Tarantella

Programme notes
Dances and Tales have been a fruitful inspiration for composers throughout the history of music. Aside from Ballets and Operas, composers used dances and stories as inspiration for instrumental music. Bach, Chopin and Liszt are amongst these composers.
In this recital you will hear a selection of stories by these great composers that are inspired by dances and stories.

Performers
Akari Bastiaens (piano)

Session 4 - 21:15 - 21:45 - Room 408 -  Forgetting the Atlantic - Amaní Duo (Guitar and Flute)

Programme
C. Machado- Sambamar 
   2 Sambamar  
   4 Vamo nessa 
   6 Frevando na rua 
A. Sánchez López- Gocta 
L. Brouwer- Elegía por Cintio Vitier 

Programme notes
Y sé que aún tengo más recuerdos en la sangre  
de los que puedo recordar, y más olvido
 
del que puede olvidarse en este mundo. 
("And I know that I still have more memories in my blood than I can remember, and more forgetting than can be forgotten in this world.") 
Cintio Vitier  

During this program, three extraordinary worlds full of life and stories are explored. Brazil, through the suite 'Sambamar' by Celso Machado, with a selection of three of the pieces from the suite: II. Sambamar ; IV. Vamo Nessa; VI. Frevando na rua. Peru is discovered through the work of Agustín Sánchez López, ‘Gocta’, name of the third largest waterfall in Peru. And a journey to Cuba is made thanks to Leo Brouwer to pay tribute to the life and death of Cintio Vitier, Cuban thinker and writer.
These works aim to remember Latin American blood and turn the guitar and the flute into a memory of the distant continent on the other side of the Atlantic.
Amaní Duo, formed by Agustín Sánchez Rubio (flute) and Marta Viloria Carretero (guitar), was born out of admiration for the rich sound of the combination of these two instruments. This formation, which throughout history has been one of the most appreciated for its balance and versatility, awakened in both the desire to explore and reinterpret its repertoire. This duo seeks to offer a new look at works that are perhaps not so often performed, but with a great musical richness. 

Performers
Marta Viloria Carretero (guitar) & Agustín Sánchez Rubio (flute) 

Session 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Willem Hijstek Hall - Not the 2nd Jazz Suite - Maastricht Sax Ensemble 

Programme
D. Shotakovitch - "Jazz suite No. 2"
   I. March
   II. Lyric Waltz
   III. Dance 1
   IV. Dance 2
   V. Waltz no. 2

Programme notes
"Collected from different ballets, theatre plays and movies, this suite is one of the hidden jems of the music of Shostakovitch. His friend Levon Atovmyan, also a composer, compiled the different movements and made the orchestral arrangement. However, due to a printing error, this suite was misidentified as the Jazz Suite no. 2, and not as the Suite for Variety Orchestra. Its composition is believed to have happened after 1956, but it was not published with the right name until 2001.
The suite showcases dances, taken from ballets or movies. Starting with a live and energetic march, it goes through two valses of contrasting character, a light polka called “Little Polka”, and two dances also of contrasting character. It is a great example of the lighter music of Shostakovitch, not full of the dramatism of his symphonies, for example. It showcases a very refined style, diving completely into the intricacies of each dance genre, and bringing out the most representative features.
The Maastricht Saxophone Ensemble is formed by the saxophone students of Conservatorium Maastricht, and is coached and directed by the teachers, Jean Pierre Cnoops and Eva van Grinsven. Every year they program a project, with new themes every time. Coming from the success of last year's reinterpretation of the 'Water Music' by Haendel, this year they propose a completely different project, playing one of the most ironic and playful pieces of Shostakovitch."
The Maastricht Saxophone Ensemble is formed by the saxophone students of Conservatorium Maastricht, and is coached and directed by the teachers, Jean Pierre Cnoops and Eva van Grinsven. Every year they program a project, with new themes every time. Coming from the success of last year's reinterpretation of the 'Water Music' by Haendel, this year they propose a completely different project, playing a contemporary piece from Hungarian composer Theodor Burkali.

Performers
Adrià Alcamí, Adrián Abelaira, Ivor Zlodre, Viola Masciangelo, Marie Haesen, Angela Foved, Tim Peeters, Afonso Costa, Jorge Gomez, Silvia Martin, Jort Reijnders & Janou Lambers (saxophone)

Session 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Jeker Room - Conversation for 4 hands - Duo Mozel (Piano 4 hands)

Programme
M. Ravel- Ma mère l'Oye 
   I. Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant: Lent 
   II. Petit Poucet: Très modéré 
   III. Laideronnette, Impèratrice des Pagodes: Mouvt de Marche 
W.A.Mozart- Sonate in D KV 381 (123a)  
   I. Allegro 
   II. Andante 
   III. Allegro molto 
Carlos Gardel- "Por una cabeza" 

Programme notes
Did you know that Ravel and Mozart composed pieces for piano four hands? Since we started playing the piano, we remember how our teachers, or with other classmates, played with us some songs or pieces. We had so much fun and made us enjoy, even more, playing the piano. It has been some years since we didn´t play four hands and we wanted this to change. With these repertoire we will bring the enjoyment that once we had as kids. 
We are two Bachelor 4 students from Conservatorium Maastricht that started playing together since the beginning of the Academic Year of 2024-25. We were offered the great oportunity to play in the opus16concerten in Maastricht and Heythuysen. From that point on, we were inspired to continue our musical journey for future events and to develop our professional career as musicians. 

Performers
Aleksis Delimpaltidis & Iria Ramos Hidalgo (piano) 

Session 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Room 102 - From sadness to love - Théo Dufour (Guitar solo)

Programme
A. Barrios Mangoré - Prelude in Cminor (1940) 
A. Piazzolla - Chiquilin de Bachin (1968) 
F. Schubert - Ständchen (arr. by Mertz) (1828) 
M. Llobet - Romanze (1896) 

Programme notes
I'd like to take you on a journey that begins on the banks of melancholy and moves upstream to a more tender place, echoing stages in my own life. Even if love can't entirely resolve our sadness in difficult times, its tumultuous discovery turns our lives upside down in many ways, and I'm going to interpret one of them for you. 
Originally from the south of France, Théo Dufour is an eclectic musician, working on a wide range of projects. He joins Carlo Marchione's guitar class in Maastricht in 2021. Developing his skills as a performer and composer, ranging from classical music to alternative pop, he was nominated in 2022 at the "Innovation In music" festival, and won the prize for best original soundtrack at the French Duck festival in 2023, for the film "By The Light". He is currently working on his first classical guitar album, with pieces that illustrate and resonate with the evolution of his personal experiences. 

Performers
Théo Dufour (classical guitar) 

Session 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Room 109 - Peer Gynt - Octopus Quartet (Piano duo) 

Programme
E. Grieg - Peer Gynt Suite no.1 and no. 2, selection of movements  
   Morning Mood op. 46 
   Anitra's Dance op. 46 
   The Abduction of the bride, Ingrid's lament op. 55 
   Arabian Dance op. 55 
   Peer Gynt's Homecoming op. 55 
   In the Hall of the Mountain King op. 46 

Programme notes
Edward Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite, originally composed as incidental music for Henrik Ibsen’s play, captures the essence of the legendary character’s fantastical journey. With its lush orchestration and vibrant themes, the suite moves through a range of moods, from tranquil dawns to frenzied mountain scenes.
In this arrangement for two pianos and eight hands, performed by the Octopus Quartet, the music takes on a new dimension. The quartet’s collaboration brings out the intricate textures of Grieg’s original score, as each pianist contributes to the dynamic interplay of themes. Iconic movements like Morning Mood, Anitra’s Dance, and In the Hall of the Mountain King are given fresh vitality through this exciting performance. 
The Octopus Quartet’s interpretation highlights the work’s playful energy and dramatic contrasts, offering a thrilling and virtuosic rendering of Grieg’s masterpiece. 
We are a group of four friends from Slovenia, Portugal, and Spain whose paths crossed in Maastricht. Here, we came together through music and friendship. We are all in the final year of our master’s program and want to close this chapter by playing together. 

Performers
Mojca Leban, Liliane Silva, Andrea Moral Suárez & Andrea Boga Sánchez (piano) 

Session 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Room 202 - Spain and Italy in the XX and XXI century - Eneko Aristondo (Guitar solo) 

Programme
J. Rodrigo - Invocación y danza 
M. Giuliani - Rossiniana no.2 op.120 

Programme notes
Through these two works, we explore how music can serve as a bridge between genres, cultures, and eras. Rodrigo and Giuliani, though very different, share something essential: the act of paying tribute, whether to a Spanish master (Manuel de Falla) or the Italian operatic tradition (Gioachino Rossini). Both remind us that music not only reflects its time but also honors the inspirations that shape it. 
Classical guitarist Eneko Aristondo began playing the guitar at just 5 years old. He was born in Bilbao, Spain, where he started his early studies in  J.C. Arriaga Conservatorium. Over the years, Eneko has achieved top prizes at prestigious international competitions such as Alhambra CIGAJ Guitar Competition (Spain, 2024), José Tomás Villa de Petrer Guitar Competition (Spain, 2023), Gandia Guitar Competition (Spain, 2023,2024), Puerto Montt Guitar Competition (Chile, 2022), and Tampere Guitar Competition (Finland, 2021) among others. Eneko has performed in prominent venues across Spain and Portugal, including the Palacio Euskalduna in Bilbao, the Manuel de Falla Hall at the SGAE in Madrid and the Oteiza Museum in Navarra. 

Performers
Eneko Aristondo Gutierrez (guitar) 

Session 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Room 211 - Do-fa: Quartal Harmony - Fasbi Muhammed (Piano solo)

Programme
Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969) - Piano Sonata no. 2
Maestoso-Agitato
Largo
Toccata
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) – from Miroirs
III. Une Barque sur l’océan

Programme notes
In 1953,  Bacewicz Grażyna premiered the Sonata no. 2 for piano by herself. This sonata contains an intricate melting point between traditional Polish music and dances, quartal harmony, dodecaphonic, and also the classic sonata-form from the 19th century. The first movement maps a straightforward Sonata-Allegro form where there is a theme introduced and later restated. The slow movement displays a rather radical harmonic language, ostinato, and a fugato session before ends. The piece concluded with a Toccata in style of traditional Polish dance Oberek in some form of sonata-from, while maintaining the music in quartal harmony and dodecaphonic realms.
Ravel’s five-movement suite for piano Miroirs, displays rich sound effects coming from elments and references of nature such as bird songs, ocean, and wind creating the visual imagery of each suite. For example, the sound of chapel bells in a hill blown by the wind breeze in the fifth movement and the calm music full of chromaticism creating the night ambiance from the first movement. Une barque sur l’océan suggests a picture of a sailor at the shore staring the ocean. The calmness, brisk, stormy, and floating effect flows throughout the entire movement—the main tune restated in.
Fasbi Yusuf is an Indonesian pianist based in Maastricht, Netherlands. A Puerto Rico Collaborative Piano Festival Competition and Indonesia Piano Competition awardee, he has been actively performing since starting to learn music late during middle school. Holding a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, he is currently pursuing master's degree in piano performance at Conservatorium Maastricht. Within a semester of attending master's degree, he serves as a pianist, harpsichordist, and celestist for Trio Harmonia, Zuyd Baroque Ensemble, and Nefelibata New Music Collective. Born and raised in Central Java, his active presence in his homeland's uprising classical music scene fruited him his opportunity to become a soloist for Classical Hugs Orchestra, Yayasan Musik Jakarta Orchestra, and Volare Chamber Orchestra, performing before The British Embassy in Jakarta, Carnegie Hall in New York, and other stages prior formal musical training. 

Performers
Fasbi Muhammed

Session 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Room 311 - Timeless Masterpieces - Reed and Keys (Piano and Bassoon)

Programme
C. Saint-Saëns - Sonata for bassoon and piano op. 168 
   1. Allegretto moderato  
   2. Allegro Scherzando  
   3. Adagio 
G.Ph. Telemann - Sonata TWV 41: ft1 
   1. Triste  
   2. Allegro  
   3. Andante  
   4. Vivace 

Programme notes
Piano and bassoon are two beautiful instruments, composers have noticed that a long time ago. Camille St-Saëns of the Romantic period and George Philip Telemann of the Baroque period both composed a sonata for piano and bassoon, exploring the possibilities of each instrument as well as their potential together. Two sonatas, two music periods, two instruments, two composers, two musicians and twenty minutes to dive into the universe of piano and bassoon repertoire. 

Maria Leonor Sá is a Portuguese collaborative pianist whose artistry reflects a profound dedication to musical excellence and collaboration. 
Currently, Maria is pursuing a master’s degree in Piano Accompaniment at Conservatorium Maastricht in the Netherlands, studying under the esteemed Professor Jeroen Riemsdijk. Alongside her academic pursuits, she collaborates in vocal repertoire with soprano Abigail Richards. 
Maria has attended numerous masterclasses with distinguished pianists such as Alberto Urroz, Caspar Frantz, Elena Richter, Heribert Koch, Marta Zabaleta, Murray McLachlan, Raul da Costa, and Serghei Covalenco. 
In the orchestral field, Maria has worked with renowned conductors such as Diogo Costa, Ivan Meylemans, Jan Wierzba and José Ferreira Lobo. As a choral accompanist, she has performed in France, Spain, and Portugal. 

Eva Boudreau started learning bassoon at the age of 12 in a music specialized high school in Canada for 5 years. She also joined the Conservatory of Music of Montreal for a total of 2 years.  Eva was taught bassoon by Joelle Amar and Michael Sundell (at the conservatory). During her studies, she had the occasion to participate in many contests where she won several as a soloist and some as a member of chamber music groups. She also had a lot of opportunities to develop her solo repertory. Following these studies, she crossed the ocean to study at conservatory Maastricht in the youth program for a year where she had the chance to study bassoon with Mette Laugs and develop herself both as an orchestra musician and a soloist with unique events. As of now, Eva is starting a Bachelor’s degree in classical music and is studying bassoon with Augusto Palumbo.  

Performers
Eva Boudreau (bassoon) & Maria Leonor Sá (piano) 

Session 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Room 312 - The Devil in the Violin - Duo Vivo (Piano and Violin)

Programme
H. Ernst - Grand Caprice on Schubert's Ërlkönig" (1854) 
H. Wieniawsky - Faust Fantasy (1865) 

Programme notes
For many years I have been intrigued and baffled by a recurrent theme in Western classical music linking the violin,  to the exclusion of all other instruments, to the devil. Paganini was said to have sold his soul to Satan. Tartini's "The Devil's Trill" and Stravinsky's "The Soldier's Tale" are musical examples of this trope. I have chosen to perform Heinrich Ernst's "Grand Caprice on Schubert's Erlkönig" and Henryk Wieniawski's "Faust Fantasy". While these pieces do not specifically link the violin to the Devil, they both express a 19th century Romantic fascination with the demonic. 
I was born in Maastricht in 1999 and started playing the violin at the age of 5 under the tutelage of my Hungarian mother, a professional violinist and teacher. At the age of 12, I moved to Budapest where I entered the "Young Talents Program" of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music and where I recently obtained the Batchelor Diploma in violin performance. I am currently pursuing a Master Diploma under Professor Boris Belkin at the Maastricht Conservatory. 

Performers
Zoltan Schwartz (violin) & Anastasia Goldberg (piano) 

Session 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Room 318 - MaaString - String Quartet (String Quartet)

Dancing Leaves (Haneul Lee)
"Dancing Leaves" is a string quartet piece that captures the beauty of leaves blown by the wind. With a light melody and rhythmic flow, the piece depicts the movement and fleeting beauty of dancing leaves.
La fiamma e la cenere (Domenico Motta)
"La fiamma e la cenere" begins with a romantic, melodic tenderness, weaving themes of passion and longing into its lyrical lines. As the piece progresses, it ignites with intensity, building dramatic energy driven by the cello's relentless ostinato. This string quartet captures the duality of flame and ash, blending beauty and struggle in a journey that feels both heartfelt and powerful.
The End of the Day (Seoyoung Moon) 
"The End of the Day" captures the quiet reflection as the sun sets and offer a moment of solace in middle of life's chaos. 
This composition gently invites listeners to find peace, no matter the struggles they've faced. It serves as a reminder that, no matter the day's challenges, there is always room for hope as it draws to a close.
Daphne (Anne-lien Goeminne)
Taking aim with his bow, Eros fires a gold-tipped arrow at Apollo, causing him to fall madly in love with the nymph Daphne. Yet he would fire a second arrow at Daphne, one tipped with lead, that would make her feel nothing but disgust at the sight of Apollo. Join the strings in this journey of love into madness.
Con Fuoco (Narim Kim) (changed title)
This piece was inspired by three of the most passionate musicians in both Classical and Jazz music: Beethoven, Bartók, and last but not least, John 'William' Coltrane. Con Fuoco means ‘with fire’ in Italian. 
Shelter (Linus Kühl)
"Shelter" is a short character piece written to explore the use of more chromatic harmonic ideas through concerted 4-part writing. It features three main motifs, which are bounced between the instruments and used to tie the nonfunctional harmonies together.
After the Dark (Jihoon Oh)
This is my composition called “After the Dark”. 
I am using chromaticism and parallelism techniques. The piece is written in sonata form style and inspired by Claude Debussy.
Valley (Sebastian Brache Almonte) 
Valley depicts the adventure that has been for me to move to the Netherlands from the Dominican Republic. In order to tell my experience, I mixed in some of my country's rhythms with how I felt when I first got into that airplane.

Performers
Zowy Bahnen & José Martinez Ferro (violin) Pietro Romagnoli (viola) & Federica di Gioia (cello) 

Session 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Matty Niël Hall - Brahms and the Poetry of Music - Filigran Duo (Piano and Violin)

Programme
J. Brahms Violin Sonata no.2 in A Major op.100 

Programme notes
Our concert program 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 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Room 402 - Two Fantasies by Schumann & Chopin -  Kazuma Hashimoto (Piano solo)

Programme
R. Schumann - Fantasy in C major, Op.17 (1836) 
   I, Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen 
F. Chopin - Polonaise-Fantasy in  A-flat major, Op.61 (1846) 

Programme notes
The year 1810 can be considered a miraculous one in the history of music. It was the year that gave birth to two of the greatest Romantic composers, R. Schumann and F. Chopin.  
Kazuma chose to bring two masterpieces by these two composers that are united by the theme of “Fantasy." 
In 1836, at the age of 26, Schumann composed his "Fantasy in C Major, Op. 17." At the time, he was in love with Clara Wieck, but their marriage was vehemently opposed by her father. This work reflects Schumann’s profound love for Clara and his anguish over their separation. The movement concludes with a quotation from Beethoven’s song "An die ferne Geliebte" ("To the Distant Beloved"), a heartfelt declaration of love for Clara. 
In 1846, at the age of 36, Chopin was experiencing the deterioration of his long-standing relationship with George Sand, while also battling fragile health. The following year, their relationship ended, and just three years later, Chopin passed away. It was during this turbulent period that Chopin composed his "Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61," a masterpiece that blends the traditional form of the polonaise with a free, imaginative spirit. Kazuma is pleased to perform and share the Two Stories with sincere respect and hopes that you will feel something from them. 
Kazuma Hashimoto is a Japanese pianist. Kazuma graduated from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music with his master's degree under the direction of Professor Masahito Shimizu in Japan. Currently studying with Professor Joop Celis and Willem Brons in the Netherlands. 

Performers
Kazuma Hashimoto (Piano) 

Session 5 - 22:00 - 22:30 - Room 408 - Timeless Voices - Peiskos Quartet (String quartet) 

Programme
J. Haydn – String Quartet in D minor, Op. 76, No. 2 “Quinten” 
   I. Allegro 
   II. Andante o più tosto allegretto 
   III. Menuetto: Allegro ma non   troppo 
   IV. Finale: Vivace assai 
F. Mendelssohn – String Quartet No. 6 in F minor, Op. 80 
   I. Allegro vivace assai 

Programme notes
Known for its recognisable motif of falling quints, Haydn’s string quartet op. 76 No. 2 in D minor is part of one of Haydn’s most renowned string quartet collections.  
As one of his last string quartets, it was composed in 1797 or 1798 for the Hungarian Count Joseph Georg von Erdödy.  
The Allegro Vivace Assai, of Felix Mendelssohn string quartet op. 80 in F minor, is the first movement of the string quartet composed shortly before his death. It is an homage to his sister Fanny Mendelssohn, who died six months before him, in May 14th 1847. 
Sara Manaresi, Italian violinist, is pursuing her master’s degree at the Conservatorium Maastricht with Kyoko Yonemoto. She has studied with renowned musicians, including Pavel Vernikov. A winner of international competitions in Italy, she has performed as a soloist with the Orchestra del Maggio Fiorentino and ORT, and played at the Musikverein in Vienna with orchestra. 
Uxue Medrano is a spanish violinist now based in Maastricht. With an extensive orchestral experience, she has collaborated with renowned musicians and performed in prestigious venues such as Het Concertgebouw Amsterdam. Uxue is also active in chamber music, earning a Silver Prize at the Euterpe Music Awards in 2022. A graduate of the Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga Conservatory, she is currently studying at Conservatorium Maastricht with Kyoto Yonemoto. 
Lidia Sanchez-Nieves Plana is a Spanish/Norwegian viola player. After doing her bachelor with Ellen Nisbeth in Stavanger, Norway, she’s pursuing her master degree with Julia Dinerstein in Maastricht Conservatory. During her studies, she’s taken part in various festivals and masterclasses with renown violists such as Isabel Villanueva, Asbjørn Nørgaard and Mikhail Kugel. She’s also been an active member in Bergen Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. 
Cellist Fermín García comes from Pamplona, Spain. Within other awards, he won the first prize at the regional phase of the "Intercentros Melómano" competition. He has played in orchestras such as the Basque National Orchestra and is currently a member of JONDE (Spanish National Youth Orchestra). He completed his bachelor studies in Musikene - Basque Country Music Conservatory with professors Asier Polo, María Casado and Pavel Gomziakov. Currently, he is continuing his master studies at the Conservatorium Maastricht with Quirine Viersen. 

Performers
Sara Manaresi & Uxue Medrano Lopéz (violin) Lidia Sanchez-Nieves Plana (viola) Fermin Garcia Menendez (cello) 

Session 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Willem Hijstek Hall - '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 

Session 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Jeker Room - Echoes of love - Duetto di Sogno (Piano and Vocal)

Programme
R. Schumann 
   Dicterliebe: In Wunderschönen Monat Mai, Op.48 No.1. 
   Myrthen: Der Nussbaum, Op.25 No.3.  
   Myrthen: Die Lotosblume Op25 No.7. 
   Romance in F sharp Major Op.28 No.2. 
G. Faure - 3 Songs: Op.8 No.1, Au Bord de l'eau. 
F. Schubert - Swanengesang D.957 No.4, Standchen. 
E. Grieg - 6 Songs: Op.48 No.5, Zur Rosenzeit. 
N. Bretan - Ce te Legeni Codrule. 

Programme notes
Our program traces the dreamer’s journey through three tableaus: falling in love, idealizing love, and losing it. The journey begins with capturing the thrilling anticipation of love and the yearning to unite with the beloved. In the next tableau depicts love as a vision of purity and grace, a timeless escape into beauty and devotion. The final tableau reflects on lost love blending sorrow with hope as the dreamer cherishes love’s lasting memory. This journey through love’s arc captures the emotional depth of Romanticism. 
Andreea, a vocalist with a rich, emotive voice, and Aleksis, a pianist with sincere and heartfelt playing, share a profound passion for storytelling through music. Both artists captivate audiences with their artistry and guide their listeners with their ability of storytelling. Together, they embody the transformative power of musical expression. The duo started from a strong friendship. Together they share the same interest for the romantic repertoire.

Performers
Aleksis Delimpaltidis (piano) & Andreea Agiurgioaei (vocal) 

Session 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Room 102 - Il violino capriccioso (Violin solo)

Programme
F. Kreisler - Recitativo e Scherzo Op. 6 
E. Ysaÿe - Sonata for Solo Violin in D minor "Ballade" Op. 27 No. 3
N. Paganini - 24 Caprices for Solo Violin Op. 1
Caprice No. 11
Caprice No. 6
Caprice No. 24

Programme notes
From the mischievous spirit of Paganini's caprices to Ysaÿe's compositional genius, tonight's programme showcases the virtuosic dimension of solo violin repertoire, challenging the instrument's technical frontiers to their extremes. 
The opening Recitativo e Scherzo by Kreisler starts with a suspenseful introduction in improvisatory style, followed by a playful, joking movement. We continue with Ysaÿe's "Ballade", one of the most representative masterpieces of the solo violin genre. Dedicated to George Enescu, it reflects the dedicatee's unique performance style. The program concludes with 3 of Paganini's 24 Caprices collection, infamous for their excruciating technical challenges, which the performer must battle whilst exhibiting a nonchalant façade.
Mina Aoki-Girardelli is an energetic and driven violinist who captivates global audiences with her dynamic, expressive sound. Known for her unique musical sensibility that stems from her cosmopolitan background, she strives to use her music as a powerful tool to bring people together and inspire a sense of shared humanity. 
In her most recent 2024 Japan tour, Mina performed recitals at the Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall (Bunka Kaikan), Museum of Kyoto Annex, and the Fukuoka City Bank Theater. Other recent performance venues include the Italian Embassy Residence in Tokyo, Bachhaus Leipzig, National Museum of Musical Instruments in Rome, Hibiki Hall Kitakyushu, Aoyama Baroque-Saal Kyoto, and Teatro Savoia in Italy. Her upcoming commitments include a new Japan tour in October 2025.
Born in Fukuoka, Japan in 2004 from her Japanese mother and Italian father, Mina began her violin studies in Istanbul at the age of 5. In 2018, she studied for a year with Ida Bieler in the United States. She then pursued her education with Boris Belkin, with whom she currently studies at the Conservatorium Maastricht, Netherlands as a full-time undergraduate student. 
Mina performs with a 1742 violin by Bernardus Calcanius, obtained thanks to the contribution of Japanese patrons such as the Hashizume family, Ms. Megumi Ito, and Dr. Shunsuke Takagi.

Performers
Mina Aoki-Girardelli (violin)

Session 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Room 109 - No Performance - Piano solo recital :3 - Shenandoah Berghuis (Piano solo)

Programme
L. van Beethoven - Sonate No. 1 Op. 2 No. 1 in f: 
   1. Allegro 
   2. Adagio 
F. Schubert - Impromptu Op. 142 No. 2 D. 935 in Ab  
S. Rachmaninov - Moment musicaux Op. 16 No. 4 in e 

Programme notes
Tonight I'd like to play some different works for you, from the classical period to the romantic era.  
The allegro from Beethoven is rather restless, whereas the second movement is sweet and singing.  
The Schubert has a soft, longing, almost wistful character and lastly we move to the Rachmaninov, which is an agitated and powerful piece all throughout! 

Hello!  Let me briefly intotroduce myself; I am Shenandoah and I am 20 years old. Since September 2023 I have been studying piano at the Conservatorium of Maastricht. I started taking piano lessons at age 12. I have played in a youth symphony orchestra as a keyboardist for 1,5 years and won the incentive price at both the competitions of PianoFest and Princes Christina Concours. I really love old piano recordings from the 20th century and going to live classical music concerts. Additionally, I love to play the organ (and harpsichord) sometimes. And I love frogs 🐸 

Performers
Shenandoah Berghuis (piano) 

Session 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Room 202 - Ysäye's Choir for 2 violins - Duo 天天 (Violin duo) 

Programme
E. Ysaÿe - Sonata for Two Violins in A Minor, Op. posth. 

Programme notes
Eugène Ysaÿe (1858–1931) was the greatest Belgian violinist in history, renowned for his contributions to both pedagogy and virtuosic composition. His six Sonatas for Solo Violin, inspired by Bach’s six sonatas, demonstrate his deep understanding of the violin’s expressive potential. Though rarely performed, his Sonata for Two Violins, published posthumously, stands as a striking example of his late compositional style. The piece features intricate, almost 21st-century-esque counterpoint, yet retains an intuitive flow and balanced texture. Written for only two violins, it challenges both performers to display peak technical skill while maintaining intimate chamber music communication, as the violins intertwine in a complex dialogue, with each playing both solo and supporting roles.  
Ryan Char is an American-born British violinist currently based in Brussels. He is a charismatic performer with a particular interest in bringing together modern performance technique with historical performance practice. Ryan has given concerts all over Europe, the United States, and Canada. Some notable recent projects have included a Banff Centre quartet residency where Ryan received the Banff Center Award, recitals with the International Holland Music Sessions, and the XXII edition of the Encuentro de Música y Academia de Santander as an artist and student of Zakhar Bron. Ryan has also recently appeared as a soloist and in recitals in halls such as Benaroya Hall, Flagey, and the Grand Salle of the Brussels Conservatoire.  
Ryan is an avid lover of chamber music. He performs duo repertoire regularly with pianist Ksenija Tmusic and was previously a member of the Primrose Quartet. 
Currently studying under Professor Yuzuko Horigome at the Conservatorium Maastricht, Ryan previously graduated with first-class honours from the Royal Academy of Music studying with Professor Joshua Fisher. Other significant mentors have included Kyung Sun Lee, Keiko Wataya, Viktoria Mullova, and others.  
Ryan is currently benefiting from the gracious loan of a 1890 Enrico Marcetti Violin from a private sponsor.  
Ting-Wei Wu (Taipei, 2000) began playing the violin at the age of six. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel under the tutelage of Professor Yossif Ivanov and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in orchestral playing at Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln with Professor Susanna-Yoko Henkel. 
During the 2023-2024 academic year, she served as concertmaster of the conservatory orchestra and was an academist with both the Belgian National Orchestra and La Monnaie Symphony Orchestra. As of the 2024-2025 season, she is now a permanent member of the La Monnaie Symphony Orchestra. 
Ting-Wei benefits from a long-term loan of an 1878 Gand & Bernardel Fres violin, through Strings For Talent, a fund under the patronage of the King Baudouin Foundation, thanks to the generous support of Dr. Anouk Etienne. 

Performers
Ryan Char & Ting-Wei Wu (Violin) 

Session 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Room 211 - Folias de España (Guitar solo)

Programme
M. Ponce-Folias de España, 20 variations and fugue. 

Programme notes
Ponce's variations on the Folia were composed at the express request of  Andrés Segovia, as evidenced by a letter written in 1929:  
“I want you to make me some variations on the theme of the Folias de España, in D minor in a style that borders on the Italian classicism of the 18th century and the dawn of German romanticism. I ask you this on my knees…” Segovia continues in the same letter: “...I want this work to be the best piece of that period, the equivalent of Corelli's for violin on the same theme”. 

Short biography
Chrysostomos Tzevelekos was born in 2004 in Serres ,Greece. He is a State Conservatory of Thessaloniki graduate in the classical guitar class of Thanos Mitsalas. He studies at the Conservatorium Maastricht (Zuyd) in the classical guitar class of Carlo Marchione. 
He has won numerous awards in national and international competitions, including the following: Muse International Music Competition 2021 (First Prize), Tryavna Art Festival 2021 (First Prize), 7th Pleven Guitar Festival (Second Prize), III Tassos Pappas Competition 2021 (First Prize), XI Palaio Faliro Guitar Festival 2023 (Open Category)-(First Prize), VI Competition ''Orpheus Soloists'' 2023 (First Prize), Guitar Feasts 2023 (Open Category) - (First Prize).  
He has participated in the following international summer music academies: -Volterra Project Guitar 2021  
-Le anime della chitarra 2022 
-MusicAlp -Tignes 2022  
-Guitar course at Château Celon 2024 (where he participated with a scholarship)  
-Guitar Oasis International Music Festival 2024. 
In addition, he has participated in masterclasses with internationally renowned guitarists including Aniello Desiderio, Sergio Assad, Judicael Perroy, Tilman Hoppstock, Alfred Eickholt, Zoran Dukic, and others.  
He appeared in recitals at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, the FAATH, the Paleo Faliro Festival, the amphitheater of the Municipal Library of Serres, the Municipal Art Gallery of Thessaloniki and the 'Melina Merkouri ' Municipal Theatre in Glyfada. 

Performers
Chrysostomos Tzevelekos (guitar) 

Session 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Room 311 - Timeless Melodies -  4 times 2 hands (Piano solo) 

Programme
W.A. Mozart – Piano Sonata No. 2 in F major, K.280  
   I. Allegro assai 
J.S. Bach - Partita No. 5  
   Praeambulum 
   Allemande 
   Corrente 
F. Liszt - Transcendental Etude No. 7 ‘Eroica’ 
D. Shostakovich - Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D-major 
J. Suk - Love Song 
P.I. Tchaikovsky - June (Barcarolle) 

Programme notes
Some melodies never fade—they transcend time, resonating across generations with their beauty, depth, and emotional power. In “Timeless Melodies”, four pianists bring to life a selection of works that have stood the test of time, from the elegance of the Baroque era to the expressive Romantic period and the bold modern innovations of the 20th century.
This program is a journey through history, featuring Mozart’s sparkling sonata, Bach’s intricate counterpoint, Liszt’s dazzling virtuosity, Shostakovich’s modern ingenuity, and the poetic lyricism of Suk and Tchaikovsky. Each piece carries an enduring charm, proving that great music never grows old—it only becomes more profound.
Sofija Subbotina: As a young pianist, Sofija eagerly embraces new collaborative opportunities with curiosity and passion.
She has performed alongside various instrumentalists in diverse ensembles, ranging from duos to quintets. 
Valued by her colleagues for her sensitivity in playing, Sofija has accompanied Spanish violist Ariadna Terol Donat and Hungarian cellist Péter Massányi in different competitions in Netherlands, Belgium and Czech Republic. During her studies, Sofija attended piano masterclasses with Wolfgang Manz, Matthias Trachsel, Daniel Blumenthal, Sergei Edelmann, Plamena Mangova, Alessandro Taverna, Ashley Wass, and Stepan 
Simonian.
Huang Qian Hui: She is a Malaysian classical pianist known for her powerful and emotionally rich
performances. She won various awards in international competitions, including the Special
Gold Award at Hong Kong APYCAA Classical Music Competition and the Gold Award at Hong
Kong ICCADA International Classical Music Competition. She hopes to help and support
Malaysian music players to overcoming theoretical things in playing music and to achieve
confidence in their performance and exam. In 2021, Qian Hui studied her bachelor’s degree in
piano performance with Professor Katia Veekmans at the Conservatorium Maastricht,
Netherlands with supported by Zuyd Excellence Scholarships (ZES).
Rozálie Stoklasová: She is a classical solo pianist and chamber musician. In 2024 she was awarded "The IAFM Köln Award" in "The IAFM Cologne International Piano Competition".
She had an opportunity to perform in famous European cities such as Madrid and Vienna. Nowadays, she focuses on recitals in The Netherlands and in the Czech Republic. Besides her solo career, is Rozálie passionate about teaching.
Rozálie is currently studying piano at the Conservatorium Maastricht under the guidance of Prof. Katia Veekmans. She intends to teach intensively during her studies and in the future organize public concerts for a wider audience.
jiayi li: She has performed as an invited artist for major piano manufacturers, including KAWAI, KURZWEIL, and CASIO.
She won awards at the New York Rondo Young Artist Music Competition and the 7th Nuova Coppa International Competition in Osimo-Italy.
and serves as a jury member for international competitions. She was invited by the People’s Music Publishing House to record the demonstration CD for China’s examination textbooks. Her concert experience spans over 20 cities in China and has been featured in over 50 Chinese media outlets. She studied at the Tchaikovsky Central Music School at age 12, continued her education at the Mannes School of Music at age 16, and is now pursuing her graduate studies at the Maastricht Conservatory.

Performers
Sofiia Subbtina (piano, Huang Qianhui, Rozálie Stoklasová and Jiayi Li

Session 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Room 312 - Liszt's Norma - Max Klioutchnikov (Piano solo)

Programme
F. Liszt - Reminiscences de Norma S. 394 

Programme notes
The following grand fantasy on the opera “Norma” by Bellini is a very demanding and virtuous piano piece that captures the highlights of the opera by Bellini in an epic imagination by none but the only Franz Liszt who was the greatest pianist of all time. 
Russian-ukrainian-born and grown up in Germany he captured both most influential spirits of classical piano music. Now he is deepening his studies with concert pianist Jeroen Riemsdijk at Conservatorium Maastricht, the Netherlands, a former student of Boris Bloch who was a student of legendary pianist and piano pedagogy Dmitri Bashkirov. Mr. Bashkirov was the last of his generation consisting of piano giants such as Sviatoslav Richter and Emil Gilels. Mr. Klioutchnikov still takes lessons and is in close contact with Boris Bloch to follow the great tradition of the Russian-German Piano School focusing on virtuosic romantic repertoire such as by Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff and Scriabin. 

Performers
Max Klioutchnikov (piano) 

Session 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Room 318 - Operetta Symposium (Vocal and Piano)

Programme
J. Offenbach - La Périchole
Ah quel diner 
L’Espagnol et la jeune Indienne (duet)
Gilber-Sullivan - Pirates of Penzance
Oh False One, You Have Deceived Me (duet)
Oh Is There Not One Maidens Breast
J. Offenbach - Le Rondo de Fritz (La Grande Duchesse de Gerolstein)
F. Lehár - Meine Lippen sie küssen so heiß (Giuditta)
F. Lehár - Lippen schweigen (duet, Die lustige Witwe)

Programme notes
Serbian mezzo-soprano Teodora Drozdik-Popović, British tenor Dean Parker, and French-Spanish pianist Ève Kerloc'h present a short program exploring the comic—and often downright silly—operetta traditions of France, England, and Austro-Hungary.
Teodora Drozdik-Popović and Dean Parker, longtime friends who met at Conservatorium Maastricht as singing students, have a deep passion for not only artistic research, but also for 'making their own fun' through their impassioned, and at the same time light-hearted musical performances. Joined on the piano by the multi-faceted and multi-talented Ève Kerloc'h, this tasteful operetta program is sure the bring the listener laughter, surprise, and half an hour's worth of joy.

Performers
Teodora Drozdik-Popović (mezzo-soprano) Dean Parker (tenor) & Ève Kerloc'h (piano)

Session 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Matty Niël Hall - Bonn to Chicago 

Programme
F. Ries - Clarinet trio op.28 
1. Allegro 
A. von Zemlinsky - Clarinet trio op.3 
II. Andante 
R. Muczynski - Fantasie trio op. 26    
I. Allegro energico 
S. Rachmaninoff - 14 romances op.34 - Vocalise 

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 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Room 402 - 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 
S. Prokofiev: Piano Sonata No. 2 Op. 14, in D minor
I. Allegro ma non troppo
M.Theodorakis: Petite Suite pour piano 
I. Poco Allegro
II. Lento 
III. Allegro molto marcato
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.

Performers
Vassilis Gavvaris (piano) 

Session 6 - 22:45 - 23:15 - Room 408 - Suzy - 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.

Session 7 - 23:30 - 00:00 - Willem Hijstek Hall- Le tombeau de Couperin - Maastricht Kamerorkest (Chamber Orchestra) 

Programme
M. Ravel - Le tombeau de Couperin: 
   1. Prelude  
   2. Forlane  
   3. Minuet 
   4. Rigaudo

Programme notes
Tonight’s concert highlights one of Maurice Ravel’s most celebrated works, Le Tombeau de Couperin, a piece that both honors the Baroque tradition and reflects the composer’s personal experiences in the aftermath of World War I. Originally, it was written for piano solo, between 1914 and 1917, but he orchestrated it in 1919. The piece is dedicated to the memory of Ravel’s fallen friends and is a musical tribute to the French Baroque composer François Couperin, known for his elegant and refined keyboard music. 
Though Le Tombeau de Couperin is deeply rooted in Baroque forms, it is unmistakably a creation of the 20th century. Ravel infuses each movement with his signature impressionist style, blending rhythmic precision with rich, evocative harmonies. The suite consists of six movements, each one inspired by a different dance form or style, including the Prélude, Forlane, Menuet and Rigaudon.  
While the music may evoke a sense of nostalgia, it also carries a sense of resilience and vitality, reflecting the dual nature of memory and hope. In this unique work, Ravel’s reverence for the past is intertwined with his own post-war reflections, creating a composition that transcends time and speaks to the enduring power of music as both a memorial and a celebration. 
Maastricht Kamerorkest (MKO) is a youth orchestra based in Maastricht. Currently it is made up of more than 30 young musicians, students or graduates of Conservatorium Maastricht. 
The main objective is to bring music as a universal language, both to the musical community itself and to the rest of society. 
The MKO begins its journey in 2023 under the baton of Elena Barrios as musical director. Through talent and enthusiasm, the MKO aims to promote the intrinsic creativity of our young people, taking the musical culture to new horizons. 

Performers
Jesus Roldán & Sara Lorenzo (flute) Livia Glavinovic & Līvija Tolpežņikova (oboe) Juan Ramírez & Carlos G. Lázaro (clarinet) Miguel Castro & Eva Boudreau (bassoon) Jork Coenen & Alessandro Lago (French horn) Anna Pilleroni (harp) Ramón Rodriguez (trumpet) Juli Bazzazi, Minami Sato, Zowy Bahnen, Bogdan Iorga & Emmanouil Meletiadis (violin I) Vasco Sequeira, José Martínez, Hubert Kociszewski, Fasbi Muhammad & Natalia Czerwinska (violin II) Alejandra Martínez (viola) Cèlia Roca, Èric Díaz, Pedro Román (cello) Andreas Pinxten (double bass)