VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta (voinews): Duo Saraswati, a cello-piano duo from the Netherlands is touring Indonesia this April, organized by Erasmus Huis.

With their unique repertoire that is backed by their Balinese background, they connect traditional Indonesian music to European classical music.

Duo Saraswati consists of the brothers Jan van der Plas on cello and Kris van der Plas on piano.

They always try to find connections between European and Indonesian music in their repertoire, for example bringing together songs of Indonesian composer Mochtar Embut and the sonata of Francis Poulenc.

“Our Indonesian background influences our music a lot, in our program it is obvious that we make the connection between Indonesia and The Netherlands. We hope mostly to connect people by showing them the differences we have and the similarities we share. And to inspire everyone with our performance,” said Kris in a release received by VOINews, Wednesday.

Jan van der Plas (1997) was a guest player at the famous string orchestra Amsterdam Sinfonietta. During his studies he performed multiple contemporary works. He studied at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with Gideon den Herder and Jelena Očić, and graduated in 2021.

Kris van der Plas (2002) studies with Frank Peters at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Kris was the first-prize winner of the regional final of Princes Christina Concours in 2020. He is known for his flexibility and broad knowledge of the classical repertoire.

“The Erasmus Huis is very proud to present these two most talented young Dutch musicians to an Indonesian audience. Educated at the prominent Amsterdam Conservatory they both are at the start of a certainly successful career," said Erasmus Huis Director Yolande Melsert in the release.

This concert will really be a ‘campur’ experience in all senses. Coming from the same family makes them special, coming from a Dutch father and an Indonesian mother makes them even more special. Mixing authentic Indonesian and European sounds, this promises to be a very special concert!” he added.

The duo will play a selection of songs from ‘Antologi Musik Klasik Indonesia’ such as Rambut, Cempaka Kuning, Srikandi, Kisah Mawar di Malam Hari, Setitik Embun and many more.

They will perform in Medan on April 5, Surabaya on April 8, and Jakarta on April 12.