PETRA
VAN OORT
Petra van Oort initiated her piano studies at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam under the guidance of Marcel Baudet and successfully graduated in 1998 with Jan Wijn. Her notable achievements include participating twice in the Princess Christina Competition, where she became a finalist in 1989 and secured a first prize in 1991. In 1992, she clinched the third prize at the National Competition of the Young Musical Talent Foundation in the Netherlands (SJMN). Petra expanded her musical education by attending various master classes.
Following her initial musical pursuits, Petra shifted her focus to German Language and Culture, undertaking studies at the VU University in Amsterdam and the Philipps-Universität in Marburg, Germany, starting in 1998. In 2003, she successfully obtained her Master's degree, completing a thesis in German Literature at the VU University. Subsequently, Petra held roles as a personal assistant to conductor Prof. Hartmut Haenchen from 2003 to 2006, and later to conductor Marc Albrecht from 2016 to 2019.
Since 2003, Petra has been an integral member of the Natalon (formerly Rondane) Kwartet, which recorded all works for four grand pianos by Simeon ten Holt on a double CD. Beyond her quartet involvement, she actively engages in chamber music concerts with various formations, serves as a (song) accompanist, and runs her own teaching practice.
LAURA
SANDEE
Laura Sandee is a versatile artist. She serves as the pianist for the contemporary music ensemble Insomnio, the Natalon Kwartet, the Trio Napolov Fridman Sandee, and the Herz Ensemble. Additionally, she regularly performs with the North Netherlands Orchestra. Laura has soloed with various orchestras both domestically and internationally, including in Germany, Finland, and Siberia. Her passion lies in contemporary music, and she has contributed to numerous CD recordings with ensembles such as Insomnio, Rondane Kwartet, Herz Ensemble (founded by the composer Kate Moore), and the Amstel Quartet. Laura pursued her studies at the Royal Conservatory under Rian de Waal, specializing in the music of Olivier Messiaen under the guidance of Håkon Austbø at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Apart from her performing career, she holds positions as a teacher at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and as a rehearsal director for the Residentie Choir and Residentie Chamber Choir.
ROBERT
LAMBERMONT
Robert Lambermont is both a pianist and a visual artist and graduated from the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam in 1999. In the spatial, kinetic objects that Lambermont makes, similarities in content can be recognized with the music of Simeon ten Holt. As a pianist, Robert Lambermont specializes in this composer, with whom he maintained a close relationship for fifteen years. Simeon ten Holt wrote in his memoirs: “Robert understood best that the performance of the full-length pieces (after Canto Ostinato) cannot simply be arranged with a few rehearsals or by skilled pianists, but presupposes a maturing period that amounts to a difficult process of conquest.” Lambermont's sculptures are included in various collections of museums and collectors at home and abroad, including the Dutch National Collection, the Bonnefantenmuseum Maastricht and Musica Klankenbos in Neerpelt, Belgium. Over the years, Robert Lambermont received several stipends from the Mondriaan Fund.
ANNA
VAN NIEUKERKEN
Anna van Nieukerken is a pianist with a passion for musical theatre, tango, chamber music, and songs. She possesses extensive and diverse experience on the concert stage. Beyond her performance skills, Anna excels in putting words to music and actively engages in writing and arranging her own compositions. She has contributed to the creation of online piano courses for AnnaPatric. Anna also shares her musical knowledge as a piano teacher at De Haagse Pianoschool. Canto Ostinato has held a special place in her heart for many years. In her leisure time, Anna enjoys dancing. She is a member of various musical groups, including the Natalon Kwartet, the Bach Clinic, and the Sandee/Van Nieukerken piano duo. Additionally, she has participated in several tango formations. Anna has showcased her talents as a pianist and actor in musical theatre performances, including SOIL Music Theatre.
With a global presence, Anna has performed in both large and intimate venues across the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, Indonesia, America, and Greece. She has collaborated with orchestras on multiple occasions. Anna pursued her classical piano studies at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague under the guidance of Rian de Waal, Ellen Corver, and David Kuyken. In 2004, she earned her Post Graduate Diploma in solo and chamber music. www.annavannieukerken.nl