In the recently painted St. Vitus Church on the Melkpad, the meditative sounds of the Canto Ostinato, the masterpiece of composer Simeon ten Holt, will soon be heard. Those interested can, if desired, lying on a mat they brought themselves, enjoy the music.

Visitors first see the premiere of the recently re-edited film “Over Canto” by the director. In it, Halina Reijn and the well-known architect Hans Ruijssenaars in Hilversum, among others, talk about the influence this music has had on their lives. After a short break it is time to listen to the Canto itself.

‘Canto Ostinato’ was composed (for four pianos) between 1973 and 1976. The title is often translated as ‘stubborn (obstinate) song’, but in fact the musical term ‘ostinato’ refers to a short musical motif that can be heard throughout a composition ( or part thereof) is repeated over and over.

At ‘Canto Ostinato’ in the St. Vitus on Friday evening June 16, the performance and instrumentation consists of Esther Doornink and Peter Elbertse (two marimbas) and Annemieke IJzerman (harp). The trio has performed the Canto together on several occasions, in both small and large halls, in churches and even in hidden city gardens.