DEC 5 is a concert ritual that has taken place since 2015 on the same date in a unique venue in Amsterdam. On December 5th, the home plays a central role in Dutch culture. This date provides the setting for a traditional Dutch ritual, with the home offering a sense of security, belonging, and comfort. It is a place where inspiration can be nurtured.

DEC 5 embraces these domestic values while separating them from the private sphere. It invites people to come together in a new public space, where guests are welcome to enjoy a classical concert accompanied by hand-selected drinks and food. With this, Tomoko aims to create an opportunity for conversation afterward or simply foster a sense of belonging. You’re more than invited.

“Listening is as much an art as performing Canto Ostinato.”

 This December, Tomoko Mukaiyama will bring her version of the famous composition Canto Ostinato to three venues in the Netherlands. Together with Diego Espinosa, a talented percussionist from Mexico, she will perform this iconic piece on piano and marimba. The concerts will take place on December 5th at De Duif in Amsterdam, December 10th at Willem Twee in Den Bosch, and December 11th at De Doelen in Rotterdam.

Simeon ten Holt (1923-2012) composed Canto Ostinato between 1976 and 1979, and till today it remains a masterpiece beloved by musicians and audiences worldwide. For many, Canto has a profound, almost life-changing impact, touching people in unique ways. The composition is celebrated for its ability to create a sense of time and space, encouraging listeners to turn inward and follow their intuition.

The open structure of Canto Ostinato allows for personal interpretation, making each performance one of a kind. The choice of instruments and the number of fragment repetitions are flexible, requiring close collaboration between the performing musicians. Discussion and joint decision-making are key parts of the process. For this concert series, Mukaiyama and Espinosa combine the piano with the marimba, a percussion instrument known for its warm, full sound.

Especially for pakjesavond on December 5th, the performance will take place in a sacred yet homey setting. At De Duif, one of Amsterdam’s most iconic churches, a limited number of guests will be able to enjoy both the musical performance and a sake tasting. OTEMBA SAKE will offer unique drinks, while Hinaichi Bento will serve colorful snacks inspired by Japanese cuisine.