Composer and musicologist Leo Samama is set to celebrate his 75th birthday on March 25, 2026, with the release of a new CD featuring his piano compositions. The album includes his three piano sonatas and “Marianne’s Ballad,” performed by Dutch-Russian pianist Sofia Vasheruk. The recording sessions took place at Piano’s Maene in Oud-Rekem, Belgium, utilizing one of their esteemed instruments. Audio engineering was managed by Tom Peeters of Mediatrack, and the CD is scheduled for release by Etcetera at the end of March 2026.

To support this project, a crowdfunding campaign was launched on Voordekunst.nl, successfully surpassing its initial goal of €8,000, with contributions totaling €9,625 from 126 donors. The funds are allocated for studio recording, editing, and mastering. Additional expenses, such as the pianist’s fee, piano tuning, CD design, and cover art, are being addressed through various funding sources.

In conjunction with the CD release, a concert is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 16:00 in De Paulus, Oegstgeest. Pianist Sofia Vasheruk will perform selections from the new album, including “Marianne’s Ballad” and the Third Sonata, alongside works by composers such as Rameau and Scarlatti. This event offers audiences an opportunity to experience Samama’s compositions live, highlighting his contributions to contemporary classical music.

Leo Samama’s career encompasses roles as a composer, musicologist, and educator. He has held positions at various conservatories and Utrecht University, and served in leadership roles with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Residentie Orkest, and the Netherlands Chamber Choir. As a co-founder of the Netherlands String Quartet Academy and the European network for professional chamber choirs TENSO, Samama has significantly influenced the Dutch classical music landscape. His extensive body of work includes over a hundred compositions and numerous publications on diverse musical subjects.

Sofia Vasheruk, born in Moscow, began her musical education at the Gnessin State Musical College and the Chopin Music College. After relocating to the Netherlands, she completed her master’s degree cum laude at the ArtEZ Conservatory in Enschede and pursued further studies at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole in Florence. Vasheruk has achieved recognition in various international competitions and maintains an active performance schedule, encompassing solo recitals, chamber music, and collaborations with orchestras.

The upcoming CD release and concert not only commemorate Leo Samama’s milestone birthday but also serve to introduce his piano compositions to a broader audience, underscoring his enduring impact on the classical music community.