Famous Canto Ostinato Turns 50: Set to Resound from the Dom Tower for the Fifth Time

After a seven-year hiatus, the iconic minimalist work Canto Ostinato will once again echo from Utrecht’s Dom Tower. On August 24, city carillonneur Małgosia Fiebig, alongside renowned pianists Irene Russo and Jeroen van Veen, will close the Summer Evening Carillon Concert series (Zomeravond Beiaardconcerten) with Simeon ten Holt’s legendary composition.

As Canto Ostinato celebrates its 50th anniversary, musicians will perform the piece for the fifth time at a staggering height of 85 meters.

A Rich History at the Dom

• 2009: Arie Abbenes, Fiebig’s predecessor as city carillonneur, performed the work as a solo.
• 2011: Abbenes returned to the tower, joined by the piano duo Sandra and Jeroen van Veen.
• 2012: The newly appointed Małgosia Fiebig played a solo rendition as a tribute to Simeon ten Holt, who had passed away shortly before.
• 2019: The piano duo and pianist Mike del Ferro joined Fiebig for an grand performance featuring three pianos and the carillon.

Concert Details

This year’s performance features a special one-hour adaptation to fit the traditional duration of the summer evening concert series. While a full performance of Canto Ostinato typically spans several hours, this condensed version captures its full hypnotic essence.

Admission to the event is completely free.