A Hymn to Silence and Reflection
More and more audiences are seeking out the silent concert: a moment away from the noise, space to find rest and focus. Ties Mellema and Rembrandt Frerichs offer that space, and fill it too. This is music that doesn't just create calm, it has something to say.
In their long-awaited debut as a duo, these two leading musicians present a meditative and compelling concert program that can be experienced on multiple levels.
Rembrandt and Ties have been close friends and musical partners for years, across various projects. That shared history gives their playing something unmistakably their own: two musicians who know each other inside out.
The program features a carefully curated repertoire: the spiritual depth of a centuries-old Indian Alap, the opening of a traditional Raga; the contemplative sound world of Messiaen's Louange à l'éternité de Jésus; the timeless beauty of Fauré's Après un Rêve; and Glass's flowing Façades. These are interwoven with new original work carrying the same stillness and contemplation, and moments where the duo zooms in on spontaneous sound impressions of the here and now.
Both artists are known for their genre-transcending approach, in which the essence of music matters more than strict stylistic boundaries. Rembrandt Frerichs, rooted in jazz, seamlessly connects the improvisational freedom of jazz to the harmonic richness of classical composers such as Ravel and Debussy. Ties Mellema, winner of the Nederlandse Muziekprijs, continually pushes the boundaries of his discipline, exploring crossovers with jazz, pop and world music, often integrating electronics into his compositions. They meet in fertile ground between established styles, driven by a shared passion for original music. Their musical dialogue on stage creates an experience that is both intellectually engaging and deeply emotional.
Rembrandt: "Where much contemporary piano music stays on the surface, in simplicity and unfinished gestures, we go deeper. The repertoire is rooted in centuries of music history, from baroque and impressionism to non-Western traditions. We combine that with a minimalist clarity that invites you to truly experience it, even if you rarely visit a concert hall."
Ties: "This isn't music to drift off to. The program asks for attention, and gives it back, as a calm you didn't expect."
Key Program Points for Programmers:
Musical substance: This program offers a compelling new direction within today's neo-classical and meditative music movements, promising an experience rich in artistic content drawn from classical sources and soundscapes.
Immediately accessible: melodies that draw the listener in at once and offer room to breathe.
Artistically rich: those who follow the journey discover a wealth of tonal colours and cultural references, a kind of auditory world tour.
Genre-transcending collaboration: experience the exceptional synergy of two acclaimed musicians from different backgrounds, creating a rich middle ground where jazz improvisation merges with classical precision.