It is always an honour to welcome and support solo musicians, incorporating a solo opportunity in each of our concerts. The soloists are always local and often new emerging musicians. Here is an example of some very talented musicians with whom we have recently had the pleasure of playing with.
Young talent
Working with and supporting local young talent is an important part of our philosophy, offering emerging artists the opportunity to play solo pieces with a full orchestra. We are committed to supporting young musicians and our proud to be part of their journey. We wish them all the best as they further their wonderful and inspiring careers in music.
Katja Naegele, violin
Katja made the audience hold their breath in wonder at her undeniable talent and skill, moving all with her slow, mature passages and astounding us with her incredible speed during the allegros. It was a wonderful experience for the orchestra to play with her and members of the audience expressed true gratitude to be able to see this up and coming talent in action. Shortly before performing with us, in January 2024, Katja won first prize in the Nederlands Vioolconcours categorie Iordans B. Katja played Saint-Saëns Havanaise which mixes strong emotion with virtuosity, a musical feast for all!
Vincent Kalk, cello
Vincent Kalk chose two challenging cello solo pieces to impress the audience, showcasing passion, colour and outstanding skill. His playing demonstrated maturity and a depth unusual at this young age and the cello sung out, captivating all with deep full tones and nuances, perhaps only achievable by masters of this beautiful instrument. Glauzonov’s Chant de Menestral (1900) comes from the late Romantic times and offered Vincent a chance to bewitch all with heartfelt emotion, contrasting well with the technical gymnastics of Saint-Saën’s Allegro Appassionato, op 43.
Celebrating our own talent
We are fortunate to have many skilled and talented members in our own orchestra and it is a privilege to welcome them also as soloists in our concerts.
Virginia Cinelli, violin
Our very own Concertmeester, Virginia Cinelli, graduated with a Masters in Performance from the Fontys Academy of Fine and Performing Arts (Tilburg) where she was taught by Chris Duindam and Mara Oosterbaan. In November 2022 Virginia was the solo violinist in our concert, stunning everyone with her ‘Gypsy Airs’ in Pablo de Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen Op.20 (1878). The orchestra is proud and honoured to have her as a soloist and Concertmeester.
Sergei Romansky, viola
In 2021 Sergei Romansky celebrated an incredible achievement, having played professionally for fifty years in Ukraine. In February 2022 war broke out and Sergei and his family moved from Ukraine to the Netherlands. AmSO was very fortunate to be able to welcome him and his equally talented wife, Sima, to our orchestra. In March 2023 Sergei captivated our audiences with his breathtaking and sensitive playing of Johann Hummel’s Fantasie for Viola (1820). It is apparent that he has an incredible connection to his viola, with its warm tones and versatility, and this beauty shone out in the concert.
