The circle is a reminder that each moment is not just the present, but is inclusive of our gratitude to the past and our responsibility to the future.
Kazuaki Tanahashi
Jan Rokus van Roosendael’s music fuses his appreciation for Renaissance and early baroque music with his fascination with Asian musical cultures and the work of Stravinsky. In Rotations (1988) a dozen music stands are placed in circles around the performer. Each of these positions represents one musical idea, which evolves as the performer completes one rotation after the other.
By interlacing Rotations with Renaissance and contemporary music, we break away from the present – the circles reach out to embrace both past and future: shifting seamlessly between old and new, in search of capturing a fleeting melody and movement – we dream, remember, live, love, choose and hope.
Videos and images (c) Stadlen Productions
A full video of the performance can be watched on Vimeo.
We are very grateful for the support from NEUSTART KULTUR and the Royal Philharmonic Society Enterprise Fund in association with the Harriet’s Trust.
In 2025 the duo is going to record their first CD for Delphian Records.




After meeting in 2019, the two artists started their collaboration.
Their programs show a cross-section of the history of western music. It’s fascinating to listen, during the same concert, Purcell’s atmospheres and Britten’s cabaret songs, going from a Bach aria to a melodie by Messiaen.
Particular attention is also for popular sounds in De Falla, Martinu, Ligeti as well, creating a huge variety of colors with the timbers that accordion can use to interact with the voice. The different eras and styles are always connected by the musical taste, through analogies or contrasts in the composers’ aesthetic.
Engagements this season include in Ryedale Festival, Wendover Music, Verbier Festival.