A new commission for string quartet and piano by the Greek-Dutch composer Calliope Tsoupaki ‘Poem for an empty world’ is inspired by a key element of her homeland: the sea. Her composition will premiere on Saturday, September 28th, at the September Me festival.

Enter a world where classical and modern seamlessly merge. In Little Blue Something, Aheym (Yiddish for “homeward”), the captivating music from Bryce Dessner’s album of the same name, is brought to life. Dessner, known as the guitarist for The National and as a celebrated composer, creates works full of tight rhythms, captivating melodies, and a touch of minimal music. Together with the National Women’s Youth Choir, pianist Saskia Lankhoort, guitarist Aart Strootman, and percussionist Yung-Tuan Ku, the Ragazze Quartet brings Dessner’s layered sounds to the surface. From the enchanting folk influences of Little Blue Something to the mystical light of Tenebrae – this evening exudes emotion and movement.

The program of this final concert of September Me 2025 will be enriched with works by Caroline Shaw, Richard Reed Parry, and a new, specially composed piece by Calliope Tsoupaki, inspired by the infinite movement of the sea.

Program:

Bryce Dessner Aheym  string quartet

Bryce Dessner Little Blue Something  string quartet

Bryce Dessner Tenebrae  string quartet

Bryce Dessner Tour Eiffel  youth choir, string quartet, percussion, piano, guitar

Calliope Tsoupaki Poem for an empty world for piano quintet (commissioned work)

Aart Strootman From: Naipaul’s Wanderer: Awakenings, The World, Pointless youth choir, string quartet, percussion, piano, guitar

Caroline Shaw Anni’s Constant  youth choir, string quartet, percussion, piano, guitar