Duo Saraswati

Duo Saraswati

Embracing cultural differences is what defines this musical duo. Jan and Kris were educated and raised in the Netherlands and have a Balinese background. Together they have been playing together since childhood and perform with as much love in the Spiegelzaal of the Concertgebouw as in the Erasmus House in Jakarta. Their repertoire includes music by composers influenced by both Europe and Indonesia: the best of both worlds united in one duo!

In April, the duo will record a CD to be launched in the fall of 2024 under the label Challenge Records. Between the old water mills of the Concertgemaal you will hear a preview of that this evening.

Jan van der Plas (1997) studied at the Conservatory of Amsterdam with Gideon den Herder and Jelena Očić, with whom he graduated in 2021 (master's degree). Among other things, he was a guest player with Amsterdam Sinfonietta and performed several contemporary works during his studies. Jan plays a 1967 cello built by Jaap Bolink, made available by the National Instruments Fund.

Kris van der Plas (2002) is a young pianist passionate about chamber music and ensemble playing. In 2020 he became 1st prize winner at the regional final of the Prinses Christina Concours and also became a national finalist. Kris is frequently asked by singers and instrumentalists for his flexibility and broad knowledge in repertoire. Kris studies at the Conservatory of Amsterdam with Frank Peters.