Cello Octet Amsterdam
Cello Octet Amsterdam is an adventurous collective of cellists that represents new music and interdisciplinary performances. The Octet has become a household name in the contemporary music world, through collaborations with composers such as Sofia Gubaidulina, Arvo Pärt, Kara-Lis Coverdale, Philip Glass, Nyokabi Kariũki, Sarah Davachi, Michael Gordon, and Kate Moore. After the premiere of his first piece for the Octet, Arvo Pärt said: “The Octet is worth its weight in gold. I discovered this ensemble 10 years too late.”
The cellists have revealed themselves as a close-knit, world-class chamber music ensemble. They have proven themselves to be groundbreaking musicians in their performances of Cello Gang and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Cello Band.
The Octet believe that musicians are at the heart of society and have a responsibility to contribute to social discussions. Based on this conviction, they regularly enter into special collaborations with composers, theater makers, choreographers, and social organisations. The ‘Instant’ triptych (co-produced with Via Berlin) dealt with current topics such as consumer society, human trafficking, and loneliness while recent programs focus on themes including migration and the climate emergency.