Café Classical - Day of Classical Music

Session 1 - 12:00 -  DSM theater café - Night of Romance and Virtuosity - Filigran Duo

Programme
H. Wieniawski Faust Fantasy Op.20

Programme notes
Wieniawski Fantaisie brillante sur “Faust”
Wieniawski, one of the great violin virtuosos of the 19th century, drew on Gounod’s celebrated opera Faust to create a concert piece rich in drama and emotion. Familiar operatic themes appear in new forms, tender melodies, expressive dialogues, and brilliant technical passages, evoking the story’s intensity and theatrical imagination. The violin becomes both singer and actor, guiding us through passion, longing, and fate.

Musicians
Theodore Kim (violin) Seulbi Cho (piano)

About Trio Lyrae
Theodore Kim and Seulbi Cho are two students from the Conservatorium of Maastricht who formed a violin and piano duo in May 2024. The duo takes its name from the German word ‘Filigran’, which means very delicate. A term that reflects their musical pursuit. They enjoy performing diverse styles of music, with a particular love for classical traditions. Their
performances aim to create an emotional connection with audiences through sincere and
expressive interpretations. As emerging musicians, Theodore and Seulbi are committed to growing both individually and as a duo,
sharing their passion for music with every performance.

Session 1 - 12:00 -  Limburg Zaal - Dance the night away - Saxophone Ensemble Maastricht

Programme
Suite From Maria de Buenos Aires, A. Piazzolla (arr. S. Verhelst)
An Eye for Optical Theorie, Michael Nyman

Programme notes
A night of irresistible rhythm and movement: from Shostakovich’s lively dance, through Piazzolla’s energetic tango, to Nyman’s driving pulse. Let the music move you and dance the night away!

Musicians
Ivor Zlodre & Marie Haesen (soprano saxophone) Ángela Foved Uribe & Areti Mirali (alto saxophone) Eva Van Grisven (teacher) Viola Masciangelo, Tim Peeters & Jort Reijnders (tenor saxophone) Xavier Marican & Afonso Costa Cunha (baritone saxophone)
 
About Saxophone Ensemble Maastricht
The Saxophone Ensemble of Conservatorium Maastricht is a dynamic and versatile group dedicated to exploring the full expressive potential of the saxophone family. Bringing together students from the Bachelor and Master programmes, the ensemble is made up of a vibrant international community of young musicians united by artistic curiosity and passion for contemporary and classical repertoire.

Session 2 - 12:30 DSM theater café - The 8-string guitar : new colors, new horizons - Nathan Andrien

Programme
J-S. Bach - BWV 788 - Sinfonia no 2
M-C. Tedesco - Capricho de Goya no 12 - No hubo remedio
J-K. Mertz - 3 morceaux op. 65 - Fantaisie Hongroise

Programme note
This programme is about discovering a new aspect of the classical guitar and it's repertoire.  Using an 8-string guitar, I will offer a quality selection of pieces of the repertoire.
I will play romantic and post-romantic repertoire from the 19th and 20th century with pieces written for the 8-string guitar and piano transcriptions, but also Baroque keyboard music and it's famous counterpoint.
With the added strings,  I hope to bring new sonorities and depth to this great music, using the new basses to enhance the harmonies, increase the range and thus surprise the audience with unheard sounds, chords and innovative interpretations.

Musicians
Nathan Andrien (classical guitar)

About Nathan Andrien
Nathan Andrien is a young guitarist from Belgium. Winner of International competitions, he plays regularly in solo and with ensembles in Belgium and France, with the help of his 8-string guitar.  He graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Liege with the highest honors and studied at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary.  He’s currently studying under Carlo Marchione at the Conservatorium Maastricht.  He can also be found playing in a guitar duo and a guitar/mandolin duo, with which he also performs regularly, playing a chosen repertoire made of arrangements for his 8-string guitar, offering new colors, possibilities and unheard versions of famous works to the listener.  He had his debut tour in France in July 2025 on that 8 string guitar, performing in solo and with his duo.

Session 2 - 12:30 Limburg Zaal - Dances in Dialogue - Duo J²

Programme
Moritz Moszkowski – Spanish Dances, Op.12 
  No.1 — Allegro brioso (in C major)
  No.3 — Allegretto innocente (in A major)
  No.4 — Molto vivace (in F major)
Felix Mendelssohn – Andante and Allegro Brillante, Op.92 
   l. Andante
   ll. Allegro brillante
Duo J² — Jie Zhang & Jiayi Li, piano duo

Programme note
Dances in Dialogue explores how two pianists communicate through rhythm and movement. Moszkowski’s Spanish Dances open with vivid brilliance and folk-inspired energy. Mendelssohn’s Andante and Allegro Brillante offers lyrical warmth and elegant interplay, while Liebermann’s Tango adds a witty modern twist. Together, they trace a journey from Romantic passion to contemporary sparkle — three dances, one conversation. 

Musicians
Jiayi Li & Jie Zhang

About Duo J²
Jie Zhang is a classically trained pianist and Master’s student at Maastricht Conservatorium under Jeroen Riemsdijk. Having studied in China, South Korea, and the Netherlands, she blends expressive sensitivity with stylistic versatility. Active as a soloist and collaborative pianist, she performs with singers, instrumentalists, and chamber ensembles across diverse settings.
Jiayi Li is a pianist, Director of the China Social Art Association and Music Education Association. An invited artist for Kawai and Kurzweil, she won 2nd Prize at the NY Rondo Young Artist and the 7th Nuova Coppa Italy. Trained at the Tchaikovsky Central Music School and Mannes School of Music, she is pursuing a Master’s degree at Maastricht Conservatorium under Katia Veekmans. She has performed at New York and given over 20 concert tours across China. She was also invited by PMPH to record China’s national piano teaching CD. She is an educator whose students have won prizes in Europe, the U.S., and the U.K.

Session 3 - 13:00 DSM theater café - Brahms' first trio : youth and maturity - Tuulas Trio

Programme
Brahms Piano trio No. 1 op.8
   I Allegro con brio
   IV Allegro

Programme note
Brahms’ Piano Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8, is notable because it exists in two versions written nearly forty years apart. The original 1854 version, composed when Brahms was only 20, is full of youthful energy and passion. In 1889, Brahms revisited the work and created a shorter, more concise version, published in 1891. He rewrote most of the first and final movements while leaving the Scherzo largely unchanged. The revised version is the one most often performed today.

Musicians
Julien Schils (piano), Hannah Tuulas (violin) and Cèlia Roca (cello)

About Tuulas Trio
The Tuulas Trio, pianist Julien Schils from Belgium, violinist Hannah Tuulas from Estonia, and cellist Celia Roca from Catalonia, has been playing together for three years and has worked with Shuann Chai, Shunske Sato, and the Oberon Trio in masterclasses.

Session 3 - 13:00 Limburg Zaal - Beethoven: Echoes of Mozart - Sonem Quartet

Programme
L.V. Beethoven - String Quartet Op.18 N.5 in A Major 
I. Allegro
II. Menuetto - Trio
III. Andante Cantabile
IV. Allegro

Programme note
A young Beethoven finally felt ready to tackle serious genres such as string quartets and symphonies. He started a cycle of six string quartets with the sense that it was a serious undertaking. He also kept refining and rewriting the quartets, even after handing what he called finished versions to friends. The 5th one of this opus 18 is an hommage to a string quartet by Mozart, K. 464. Both quartets are in A major and especially Beethoven’s first movement is reminiscent of Mozart’s light and airy style. Like Mozart’s K. 464 Beethoven writes a minuet as second movement and a theme and variations for the third. The fast and light finale forms the cherry on top of the Mozartean cake, even directly quoting one of Mozart’s themes.

Musicians
Theodore Kim, Uxue Medrano (violin) Helena De Bruyn (viola) & Péter Massányi (cello)

About Sonem Quartet
Sonem Quartet is a dynamic string quartet formed by young musicians from diverse backgrounds. Currently based at the Conservatorium Maastricht, they work under the guidance of Kyoko Yonemoto, Mihai Cocea and Piotr Jasiurkowski.
Sonem Quartet regularly performs across the Netherlands in different venues and concert halls, like Muziekgebouw Eindhoven and Azijnfabriek in Den Bosch. Throughout the last years they have had the chance to attend Masterclasses with renowned ensembles and musicians, such as, Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective, Shunske Sato, Shuann Chai and Katharina Verhaar. 

Session 4 - 13:50 DSM theater café - Homage to Ponce - Carla Franciosa

Programme
Manuel M. Ponce - Sonata III for guitar
- I° Mov. Allegro moderato
- II° Mov. Chanson
- III° Mov. Allegro non troppo

Programme note
Manuel M. Ponce’s Sonata III, composed in 1927 and later revised, is one of the cornerstones of the modern guitar repertoire. Written during his close collaboration with Andrés Segovia, it blends classical form with a fresh, expressive language.
The Allegro moderato introduces contrasting themes and a rich, almost orchestral texture; the Andante offers an intimate, lyrical moment shaped by a pure, flowing melody; the final Allegro non troppo brings renewed energy and brilliance, closing the sonata with elegance and virtuosity.

Musicians
Carla Franciosa (guitar)

About Carla Franciosa
Carla Franciosa began studying classical guitar at the age of eleven and later was admitted to the “Umberto Giordano” Conservatory in Foggia in the class of Maestro Gianluca Persichetti, graduating with top marks. She is currently continuing her studies at the Maastricht Conservatorium under Maestro Carlo Marchione. She has participated in masterclasses with internationally renowned teachers, including Evangelina Mascardi, Annabel Montesinos, and others. Winner of numerous national and international competitions, including the first absolute prize at the international competition "Città di Tarquinia 2025" (IT). She performs at festivals and events, both as a soloist and in ensembles. She is a member of the “Choro Orchestra” in Foggia and, since 2024, of the Sadigna Guitar Trio, promoting European and South American classical music.

Session 4 - 13:50 Limburg Zaal - Voyage to Wonderland - Duo Sonho

Programme
A.Previn - Three Dickenson Songs : 2. Will There Really be a Morning
B. Britten - A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41
   2. The Highland Balou 
   5. The Nurse's Song
F. Poulenc - Banalités, FP 107
  2. Hôtel
  4. Voyage à Paris
M. de Falla - Siete Canciones Populares Españolas : 5. Nana
J. Heggie - The Faces of Love : 4. It Makes No Difference Abroad 
J. Heggie - Songs to the Moon : 5. The Moon's the Northwind's Cooky

Programme note
A journey through a Scottish landscape, a Parisian hotel room, a tender Spanish night, and an American children's playground in less than half an hour? That's what we're going to do! In our program, we bring together a diverse repertoire from the 20th and 21st centuries and from four different countries, all reflecting on the themes of dreaming and childhood. Join us in our Wonderland!

Musicians
Beatriz Da Guia Bôto (voice) & Sofija Subbotina (piano)

About Duo Sonho
We are Duo Sonho, a voice-and-piano duo whose journey began at the Conservatorium Maastricht. From the very beginning, it was the theme of dreams and fairytales that captured our attention. Therefore, in our repertoire, which spans different stylistic periods, you can always find a lullaby or a song that carries a story from childhood.
We have performed at various venues in the Netherlands, such as the Open Stage concerts and the Lied Class concerts of Abigail Richards at the Conservatorium Maastricht, as well as the opening program for Opus 16 Concerts in Kapel Opveld (Maastricht) and at Cultuurpodium De Bombardon in Heythuysen.
We look forward to exploring more of the beauty of the connection between piano and voice, and we hope to bring even more diverse colours to our audience.

Session 5 - 14:20 DSM theater café - Within Dances & Dreams - Rozálie Stoklasová

Programme
J.S. Bach - English Suite No.2 in A minor, BWV 807
I. Prelude
II. Allemande
III. Courante
F. Liszt - Transcendental Etude No.9 "Ricordanza"

Programme note
The session starts with a selection of baroque dances from the English Suite No.2 composed by J.S. Bach. Each dance, the Allemande, Courante, and Sarabande, has its unique character, tempo, and meter, creating atmosphere of the Baroque period
In contrary, Liszt´s etude „Ricordanza“ from the famous series of „Transcendental Etudes“ will lead us to a landscape of dreams, wishes, and love. „Ricordanza“ is a fusion of emotions expressed by brilliant passages, touches of drama and gentle melodies
Etude-Tableau Op.39 No.4 composed by S. Rachmaninov in the late romantic period, refers back to dances since it is inspired by a Ukrainian dance Hopak and the traditional French Gavotte. It´s a dramatic ending significant for repeated notes and chords

Musicians
Rozálie Stoklasová (piano)

About Rozálie Stoklasová
Rozálie Stoklasová is a young classical pianist well known for her colorful touch and technical skills. In 2024 she was awarded "The IAFM Köln Award" in "The IAFM Cologne International Piano Competition". She played concerts in famous European cities such as Madrid and Vienna. Nowadays, she focuses on recitals in The Netherlands and in the Czech Republic. As a member of Trio Dell´Arte, together with oboe and English horn, focuses Rozálie on baroque repertoire and pieces by German composer Max Bruch. Rozálie is currently studying piano at the Conservatorium Maastricht under the guidance of Prof. Katia Veekmans. After completing her Bachelor's degree, she plans to apply for Master's studies. Besides her solo career, is Rozálie passionate about teaching. She intends to give masterclasses in the future and organize public concerts for a wider audience.

Session 5 - 14:20 Limburg Zaal - Aires Tropicales -  Muintet

Programme
 Paquito D’Rivera - Aires Tropicales
- 1. Alborada
- 2. Son
- 3. Habanera
- 4. Vals Venezolano
- 5. Dizzyness
- 6. Contradanza
- 7. Afro

Programme note
This piece is titled Aires tropicales, composed by Paquito D’Rivera. 
It is written for woodwind quintet and combines elements of jazz with traditional Latin American rhythms, such as the Habanera and the Contradanza. Each movement has its own character, ranging from the most nostalgic to the most festive. Composed in 1994, D’Rivera pays tribute to the richness and diversity of Latin American music, blending traditional styles with his unmistakable sense of humor, color and rhythmic energy.
Balancing nostalgia and celebration, the piece captures the joy of life and the free-spirited essence that define Paquito D’Rivera’s music.
Five voices, five souls, one heartbeat. This woodwind quintet unites musicians from distant lands, bound by dance, friendship and the Latin spirit that breathes through them. 

Musicians
Maria Milagros López García (flute) Maria Cárdenes Torres (oboe) Miguel Castro García (bassoon) Juan José Calderón Rendón (french horn) & Maria Delgado Jiménez (clarinet)

About Muintet
From Andalucía come María on flute, María on clarinet, and Miguel on bassoon — their sound glowing with southern warmth and rhythm. From the Canary Islands, María adds her luminous voice, and from Colombia, Juan José’s french horn rises with deep and golden strength. Joining their roots at Conservatorium Maastricht, they weave a tapestry of color and motion, where classical grace meets tropical fire. Their music is a dance of cultures, a celebration of joy and a journey through the beating heart of Latin soul.

Session 6 - 14:50 Limburg Zaal - Romantic Breath  - Scirocco Quintet

Programme
Brahms Clarinet Quintet, only 2 movements

Programme note
Brahms’s Clarinet Quintet, one of his finest and last major works, was written in 1891 after the playing of Richard Mühlfeld rekindled his desire to compose. The music has a warm, autumnal character: tender, nostalgic, and often shadowed by a quiet sense of farewell. Moments of calm lyricism alternate with darker, searching passages, giving the piece an emotional depth typical of Brahms’s late style. The clarinet and strings blend with remarkable intimacy, creating a sound world filled with reflection, beauty, and gentle sorrow

Musicians
Sara Manaresi, Andrea Di Leo (Violin) Laura D'Oriente (Viola) Federica di Gioia (Cello) Tommaso Torrigiani Malaspina (Clarinet)

About Scirocco Quintet
Formed by five young Italian musicians studying at the Maastricht Conservatorium, this quintet, featuring string instruments and clarinet, was born from a shared passion for chamber music and a deep friendship. Their desire to play together originally arose from their love for Brahms’s Clarinet Quintet, one of his greatest chamber masterpieces. United by curiosity and creativity, they explore a wide range of repertoire, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works and new arrangements. Their journey began this year, driven by the wish to bring fresh energy, emotion, and authenticity to every performance while celebrating the joy of making music together.