Following the success of the previous two editions, Simeon ten Holt’s Canto Ostinato returns this year. This time, the performance moves from the familiar farm setting to the open air: right in the heart of nature near the Frisian village of Jorwert.
In this performance, trumpeter Eric Vloeimans and organist Aart Bergwerff bring the piece to life in an entirely new way. Eric, one of the Netherlands’ most beloved trumpeters, is known for his warm tone and expressive improvisations, while Aart adds a deep dimension with his rich, spatial organ sound. Together, they create a special dialogue between trumpet and organ that completely immerses the audience in the hypnotic world of Canto Ostinato.
Canto Ostinato performed by Simeon Kwartet
Canto Ostinato performed by Wishful singing and Aart Bergwerff on organ.
Canto Ostinato by Marnix van der Poll
Sandbox Percussion and UW School of Music students and faculty come to ECM to give a performance of Simeon Ten Holt’s evening-length minimalist work, Canto Ostinato. Originally a keyboard piece by the Dutch composer, Canto Ostinato is made up of overlapping layers and repeated patterns, and has amassed a cult following. Conceived and developed by Andrew Cyr, Erik Hall, and Jonny Allen, this version of Canto Ostinato features a 17-piece ensemble arrangement led and commissioned by Metropolis Ensemble’s Founder and Director Andrew Cyr. As Canto Ostinato is commonly performed with either two or four pianos, this ambitious arrangement highlights the musical freedom of Holt’s most popular work, which can be performed by different instruments and a varying number of performers.
Pianist Erik Hall, Sandbox Percussion and UW School of Music students & faculty join ECM for Simeon ten Holt’s evening-length minimalist work. Originally a keyboard piece by the Dutch composer, Canto Ostinato has amassed a cult following. This 17-piece ensemble arrangement, led and commissioned by Metropolis Ensemble’s Founder & Director, Andrew Cyr, will be a one of a kind experience - an evening NOT to be missed!
Following the iconic Canto Ostinato, Simeon ten Holt composed Horizon, an enchanting work that weaves hypnotic repetitions with moving melodies. The piece builds towards a rousing climax, before concluding in a quiet and subdued manner. The celestas add a silvery tone to the orchestral sound of the four grand pianos, and expand the pianists’ artistic scope.
Canto Ostinato performed on four grand pianos by Natalon Quartet