West of the Moon

In this program Cello Octet Amsterdam is going far beyond the dark, melancholic textures that are so familiar to low string players. Light and danceable is the motto of this concert.

Cello Octet Amsterdam

The Cello Octet Amsterdam is an adventurous collective of cellists who stand for new music and interdisciplinary performances. Within the contemporary music industry the Octet has become a staple, partly by collaboration with Philip Glass, Sofia Gubaidulina, Arvo Pärt, Theo Loevendie, Mauricio Kagel, Michael Gordon and Kate Moore. After the première of his first piece for the Octet, Arvo Pärt said: ‘The Octet is worth gold, I have discovered this ensemble 10 years too late.’

Kinan Azmeh

Kinan Azmeh discovered the overwhelming power of music during his nightly, far away travels, when he flies high above the earth. He wrote an ode to the artists he listens to, to be able to feel at home when constantly being on the road. A composition in which traditional melodies, percussion and improvisation are presented.

Azmeh is known for his collaboration with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. For Azmeh, music is a place to transcend conflicts and cultural differences. In his idiom Arabic folklore plays a part, but his story takes centre stage. About his Vol de nuit, he writes:

‘I have been fascinated by the sound of a cello collective ever since my first exposure as a child to a live performance of Heitor Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 in Damascus. So needless to say how excited I was when Cello Octet Amsterdam approached me about writing a new piece for them, as I have been a great fan of theirs for years.

Vol de Nuit is not an adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s wonderful novel, nor is it a dedication to that lovely bar with the same name in downtown New York.

I have always romanticized flying, especially cross continental night flights from New York to Amsterdam. The whole experience starting with the evening taxi ride from my apartment in Brooklyn to JFK airport all the way to the morning train ride from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal. In some strange way, music experienced in that metal capsule always felt more urgent, powerful and primal and it allowed me to feel empowered and at home in transit.

This piece is somehow autobiographical but more, so it is a dedication to endless numbers of artists whose music accompanied me during these flights where the concept of home becomes ever expansive. I hope you will enjoy the ride.’

Saariaho, Goebaidoelina and Theo Loevendi

Kaaija Saariaho writes glistening, crystal-clear textures, inspired by the symmetrical patterns found in frost flowers and snow. Sofia Goebaidoelina creates a sparkling game of dancing lights and schadows, which gives off a feel of a fata morgana in our daily sound perception. Theo Loevendie went looking for a unique cello sound for his composition. He even asked the cellists to not play any real cellotones in his rousing Zeybek and Iberica.

Goebaidoelina Mirage: the dancing sun | Azmeh Vol de Nuit |Saariaho Neiges | Loevendie Two Mediterranean dances