AGATHE Ensemble is a group of talented and enthusiastic young musicians who come together to bring out some of the greatest chamber music works ever composed. The ensemble is comprised of a collective of string players who offers performances in different settings, in both small and large formations. Agathe Ensemble aims to bring out the best chamber music works in all kinds of settings: duo, trio, quartet...octet! In this way, a wider range of audiences can be reached, while exploring a very diverse, interesting and broad classical chamber music repertoire. 

Since its creation ensemble has brought up ambitious programs including Brahms Sextet op. 36, Quintet op. 101 or Mendelssohn Octet op. 20, having performed in many diverse settings, from living room concerts to festivals such as Delft Fringe Festival or Kamermuziek in de Sint-Janskerk, Gouda.

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At the present time, 2 are the regular active formations: Violin&Cello and String Quartet. Both groups develop and perform on a regular basis their own programs. Other Agathe ensembles work on a project basis or at request.

Aleksandra Kwiatkowska: Violin

Iván Nogueira: Cello

The Violin and Cello duo is a very exceptional one due to the beauty and full range of possibilities that both string instruments offer. But at the same time, it is very challenging for both composers and performers to create textures and harmonies which normally are supplied with a full string quartet or a piano. 

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Great composers have written for this kind of ensembles, such as Haydn, Ravel, Halvorsen, Gliere, or Vasks. Their works are often very virtuosic, which requires high instrumental skills and good musicianship. 

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Aleksandra and Iván also like to explore and adapt music which is traditionally played by other instruments, like the Beethoven duo's, originally for clarinet and bassoon, or the Bartok's Romanian Folk Dances, written for string orchestra. They are also interested in Tango and Keltic folk, rounding up a big spectrum of music styles

Translucent Strings: Violin - Cello - Visuals

The last Agathe Ensemble production, in collaboration with visual artist Efthymios Stavropoulos.

With this program, we are looking for a curious listener who is not afraid of experiencing a concert in a renewed shape. We are more and more used to consume media content that can’t dissociate any more audio and image.

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Translucent Strings aims to strengthen the connection of the music compositions with their background and meanings. The visuals will ensure that these messages reach the public.

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Giving the public some hints, the spectator will have to seek himself for his or her own answers. The video will trigger the imagination and give room for self-reflection.

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The program features music 20th and 21st-century music, including the premiere of Dutch composer Myrthe van de Weetering: Jiayou.

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This production has been supported by Fonds Podium Kunsten.