JAKARTA - Carrying a concept that connects Indonesian traditional music with European classical music, the duo of Dutch musicianmas who are members of Duo Saraswati embraced cultural differences through music through a tour of a number of cities in Indonesia this April.
Put forward a unique repertoar, Duo Saraswati was headed by two brothers Jan van der Plas (cello) and Kris van der Plas (piano).
They always try to find a connection between European and Indonesian music in repertoars, such as by performing Indonesian composer Mochtar Embut and the Sonata Francis Poulenc.
"Our Indonesian background greatly affects our music and this can be seen clearly in our program where we created a connection between Indonesia and the Netherlands," Kris said as quoted by Antara, Thursday.
Kris said Duo Saraswati hopes to connect people by showing them the differences and similarities they have.
"Hopefully we can inspire everyone with our performances," said Kris.
The figure of Kris van der Plas is currently studying at the Amsterdam Conservatory under the guidance of Frank Peters. Kris won first place in the Princes regional final Christina Concourses in 2020.
He is known for his flexibility and broad knowledge of the classic repertoire.
Meanwhile, Jan van der Plas' older brother was a guest musician at the traditional orchestra known as Amsterdam Sinfonietta. During his studies he often brought various contemporary works.
Jan studied at Amsterdam's Conservatory under the guidance of Gideon den Herder and Jelena Oguli Badminton and graduated in 2021.
Duo Saraswati is scheduled to appear in Medan (April 5), Surabaya (April 8), and Jakarta (April 12) in a series of tours organized by Erasmus Huis.
Erasmus Director Huis Yolande Melsert expressed his pride in presenting the two most talented young Dutch musicians to Indonesian audiences.
"Combining the native voices of Indonesia and Europe, this concert will be a very special concert. This concert will really be a'mixed' experience in every way. Having a Dutch father and an Indonesian mother makes them even more special," he said.
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