CELLO8CTET AMSTERDAM

Pseudonyms

Cello Octet Amsterdam, Conjunto Iberico Cello Octet, Conjunto Ibérico

Cello8ctet Amsterdam

Cello8ctet Amsterdam is a Dutch chamber ensemble whose eight-cello formation is unique worldwide. The ensemble formed in 1986 under the name Conjunto Ibérico. “In Conjunto Ibérico's hands, what might seem like an arbitrary lifting of the cello section out of an orchestra instead strikes the ear as a logical ensemble ...
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Members

Sanne Bijker   cello
Claire Bleumer   cello
Oihana Aristizabal Puga   cello
Karel Bredenhorst   cello
Stephan Heber   cello
Wijnand Hulst   cello
Rares Mihailescu   cello
Sebastiaan van Halsema   cello
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Former members

Artur Trajko   cello
Elias Arizcuren   dirigent

Biography Cello8ctet Amsterdam

Cello8ctet Amsterdam is a Dutch chamber ensemble whose eight-cello formation is unique worldwide. The ensemble formed in 1986 under the name Conjunto Ibérico. “In Conjunto Ibérico's hands, what might seem like an arbitrary lifting of the cello section out of an orchestra instead strikes the ear as a logical ensemble of like instruments, with uniformity and diversity on its side.” (Music Review, 2005) Because of its unique formation, the group requires specially written music, and it has enticed many distinguished contemporary composers to contribute. Among them are Arvo Pärt, Terry Riley, Mauricio Kagel, Theo Loevendie, Franco Donatoni en Luciano Berio. The octet already has more than 70 original works in its repertoire. It also plays Spanish and South American songs on a regular basis with such singers as Teresa Berganza, Bernarda Fink and Elena Gragera. The octet has shown itself open to new challenges and special collaborative projects, for example, a project with the modern dance company Conny Janssen Danst, performances with Cappella Amsterdam and concerts with the flamenco singer Ginesa Ortega. The octet is currently working on a Caribbean music project with musicians and composers from the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. The octet often works with guest conductors, such as Jurjen Hempel, Bas Wiegers and Lucas Vis. It tours each year and has performed in the United States, South America, Asia and all of Europe.

1989

The cellist and conductor Elias Arizcuren begins Cello Octet Conjunto Ibérico.

1998

The CD 'French music', with a piece by Iannis Xenakis, is released. Luciano Berio composes 'Korót' for the octet.

1999

The octet is given permission to arrange pieces by Philip Glass for a large project with the dance company Conny Janssen Danst. A CD of the production is released.

2005

Mauricio Kagel composes 'Motetten' for the octet.

2006

Gramophone magazine puts a concert the octet gave at London's Wigmore Hall at number 18 on its list of the “best events worldwide.”

2008

The octet performs the premiere of 'O-Antiphonen', a piece Arvo Pärt wrote for them, to a sold-out hall. Elias Arizcuren, the octet's founder and artistic leader, leaves and is named a Knight in the Order of Oranje Nassau.

2009

The octet changes its name to Cello Octet Amsterdam and tours the United States three times.

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