Canto Ostinato door Eric Vloeimans en Aart Bergwerff
Do you want to decompress during the hectic and crowded Vierdaagseweek? Or do you just want to experience the beautiful composition Canto Ostinato in De Stevenskerk? You can do both, as this piece of Dutch composer Simeon ten Holt (1923-2012) is the most prominent neo-classical hit of the past few decades. The piece is a constant presence in the top 10 of the Classical Top 400 of NPO Klassiek and is popular with generations of listeners. It is a hypnotizing piece known for its repetitive patterns and open structure that invites a moment of silence and concentration. Each performance offers a unique experience: repetition and subtle variation create a meditative intensity that that touches both listeners and performers alike.
In this performance, which we present in collaboration with De Vereeniging, trumpetist Eric Vloeimans and organ player Aart Bergwerff bring Ten Holt’s piece to life in a brand-new way. Eric is one of The Netherlands’ most beloved trumpetists who is know for his warm tone and expressive improvisations, while Aart adds an extra dimension with his rich, spacious organ sounds. Between the two of them, a unique dialogue between trumpet and organ appears that will take the audience into the mesmerizing world of Canto Ostinato.
Aart Bergwerff performed at the world premiere of Canto Ostinato in 2006. In collaboration with Eric Vloeimans, he adds a completely new dimension to this beloved piece. The duo first played together in 2023 in Orgelpark Amsterdam, where their performance was recorded live and released as an album by Brilliant Classics. The album, “Ten Holt: Canto Ostinato for Organ and Trumpet”, was nominated for an Edison Klassiek 2025, so we can rightfully call this performance a legendary one already.
