To conclude the Min of Meer Minimal Weekend, Aart Bergwerff will traditionally perform Simeon Ten Holt’s famous work Canto Ostinato. This piece, variable in both length and instrumentation, is a cornerstone of Dutch minimal music and is performed with great regularity.
Organist Adriaan Hoek performs Simeon ten Holt’s Canto Ostinato on the Doelen organ on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 20:15. This influential work from Dutch music history is built on repeating motifs that develop slowly, constantly revealing new tensions and colors. In the sonorous space of the Grote Zaal in Rotterdam, an intense listening experience is created in which time seems to slow down and music unfolds as a continuously breathing movement.
Canto Ostinato performed by Myung Hwang Park
This recital is conceived as a single arc—a gradual journey toward self-dissolution through music. Part I, “The Threshold,” serves as an intentional preparation, where each work contributes to a progressive release of narrative expectation. Couperin’s Les barricades mystérieuses introduces the logic of repetition through its quietly hypnotic rondeau structure. Satie’s Trois Gymnopédies deepens this suspension until the habit of expecting arrival begins to dissolve. Franck’s Prélude, Fugue et Variation then offers a final threshold: a music of inward prayer before the crossing.
Following the intermission, Part II (“Absence / Presence”) is devoted entirely to Canto Ostinato, performed in near-total darkness. The work is not a centerpiece among others; it is the destination of the entire evening. The title of the concert, “Facing the Divine,” does not invoke a religious figure. Here, the ‘divine’ represents the audience members themselves, sitting alone in the dark, facing their own reflection through endlessly repeating music.
On October 28, 2026, the magical Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam opens its doors once again for a rarely enchanting evening. In this art-deco palace, Jeroen van Veen, Aart Bergwerff, and Eric Vloeimans bring Simeon Ten Holt’s legendary Canto Ostinato to life—a musical journey that continues to touch generations.
Experience Deurne's Sint Willibrordus Church as you've rarely seen it before. On Friday, 30 October, the historic church will be illuminated by more than 1,400 candles for a special All Hallows’ Eve celebration.
All Hallows’ Eve is the evening before All Saints’ Day and is the historic origin of today's Halloween. From 6:00 pm, you can enter the candlelit church and experience its architecture, tranquillity and atmosphere in an entirely different way.
At 9:00 pm, the music begins with Canto Ostinato by Dutch composer Simeon ten Holt. This celebrated composition will be performed by Bert Augustus on the Smit organ, Martien Maas on grand piano and Arjan Mooi on the Pels organ. Surrounded by the glow of hundreds of candles, the combination of piano and two organs promises an extraordinary musical experience.
Arielle Vernède plays Canto Ostinato & Chopin
On Sunday, November 22nd, Harmony welcomes a special performance of Canto Ostinato for six grand pianos. Performed by: Sonja Lončar and Andrija Pavlovic of LP Duo, Mike del Ferro, Tamara Rumiantsev, Irene Russo & Jeroen van Veen.
Canto Ostinato performed by Aart Bergwerff on the organ. LP Duo (Sonja Lončar and Andy Pavlov) Irene Russo and Jeroen van Veen.
Pianist Helena Basilova and multi-instrumentalist Aart Strootman present a bold new version of Simeon Ten Holt’s iconic masterpiece Canto Ostinato. They combine solo piano with deep electronic textures that enhance the intensity and emotional power of the piece.
Canto Ostinato performed by: Claron McFadden – soprano, Eric Vloeimans – trompet & Aart Bergwerff – organ
Canto Ostinato performed by Scholtes & Janssens
Experience a mesmerizing rendition of Canto Ostinato, brought to life by the exceptional collaboration of the Mallet Collective and the world-leading marimba duo, Tchiki Duo.
Driven by a shared passion for the marimba and a relentless quest for tonal refinement, these master percussionists unite to explore the rich, vibrant sonic universe of Canto Ostinato. Together, they transform this iconic piece into a captivating musical space filled with curiosity, depth, and a modern aesthetic, offering the audience a truly unique and transcendent live performance.
Canto Ostinato performed by Wishful singing and Aart Bergwerff on organ.
Canto Ostinato performed by Simeon Kwartet