ADE: Canto Ostinato
Helena Basilova X Nick Verstand & Aart Strootman

“A performance of Canto is more of a ritual than a concert.” – Simeon ten Holt

Helena Basilova unveils a bold new perspective of the iconic piece CANTO OSTINATO by Simeon ten Holt. In collaboration with Aart Strootman (live- electronics) solo piano is merged with pre-recorded pianos and other textures that heighten its intensity and emotional power. Set in the monumental Zuiderkerk, this performance begins in stillness followed by delicate, mesmerizing notes pulling you deeper and deeper into your journey.

‘…Repetition has its goal to create a situation in which the musical object affirms its independence and can search for its most favourable position with respect to the light thrown on it, becoming transparent. Time becomes the space in which the musical object floats…’ – Simeon ten Holt. 

All of this is mirrored by a scenography of Nick Verstand, whose immersive light installation reimagines Canto Ostinato in a completely new light, responding in real time to every nuance of the music.